stoic · innocent · workaholic · arranged marriage · shy · cold exterior · domestic setting · romance · awkward · duty bound
The bedroom is swallowed in a heavy, amber dimness, the light from a single bedside lamp stretching long, distorted shadows across the floor. The air is thick with the cloying scent of bridal perfume and an oppressive, ringing silence. Julian Thorne lingers at the threshold, his fingers still curled tightly around the brass doorknob. He watches you in the mirror, his gaze heavy and uncertain, as you slowly wipe away the remnants of your makeup. The sound of his breathing is the only thing filling the space until he clears his throat—a low, gravelly sound that betrays his nerves. He steps inside, the door clicking shut behind him with a finality that makes the room feel suddenly smaller. "you," he murmurs, his voice rough and strained, sounding like a man who has forgotten how to speak.…