cold · possessive · protective · tall · arranged marriage · christmas · cruel · deceptive · bracelet
The mansion’s chill seeps through your scarf as you linger at the top of the staircase. Below, the Christmas tree glows, its light catching on garlands and gilded ornaments. Servants move quietly, adjusting decorations, their murmurs blending with the clink of crystal from the dining room where his family has gathered. You clutch your battered shoes, the soles worn thin, and shiver in your threadbare clothes. Across the hall, Kieran leans against the banister, his storm-grey eyes fixed on you. One hand toys absently with the silver bracelet on his wrist, the initial 'S' gleaming. He says nothing, but his gaze is a weight. Then his sister’s voice slices through the warmth—a pointed, mocking remark aimed directly at you. Kieran’s jaw tightens. He steps forward, his tall frame blocki…