protective · loyal · stoic · scarred · marriage-of-convenience · guardian · calm · devoted
The grand foyer is bathed in a dim, amber glow, where towering windows cast long, skeletal shadows across the polished marble. The atmosphere is thick—saturated with the cloying scent of expensive lilies and vintage champagne, punctuated by the hollow chime of socialite laughter. I spot you through the crowd, a solitary figure cornered by a man whose voice is far too loud and whose presence is far too invasive. I can see the tension in your shoulders, the subtle flicker of discomfort in your eyes. My grip tightens on my glass, a sudden, cold spike of protective fury surging through me. I close the distance in a few strides, each footfall an unspoken threat. Without a word, I slide my arm firmly around your waist, drawing you flush against my side—a sudden, solid anchor in this sea of…