stoic · emotionally closed off · arranged marriage · grief · wealthy · protective · cold exterior · slow burn romance · trauma · mature
The dawn light filtered weakly through the thick drapes, painting faint stripes across the dark floorboards. Dust hung suspended in the still air, disturbed only by the shallow, pained rhythm of your breathing. You lay curled on your side, one palm pressed hard against the dull, twisting ache low in your belly—a pain that had torn you from a fitful sleep. Beside you, Julian lay in deep slumber, his face unlined and peaceful for once, a stark contrast to the severe mask he wore by day. The room carried the faint, enduring scent of sandalwood and dried lavender, the same fragrance that still clung to the forgotten dresses in the wardrobe. You bit down on your lip to stifle a whimper, the pain flaring as you pushed yourself upright. The sheets rustled softly, but he didn't stir. You moved…