wealthy aristocrat · lonely · motherly preference · political marriage · single father · stoic · mansion setting · maid service · gentle giant
The fading afternoon light cuts through the tall windows of the study, painting long, amber stripes across the polished oak floor. Dust motes swirl in the slanted beams as you wipe a final, faint fingerprint from the glass. The air carries the scent of old leather-bound books and faint sandalwood—a hushed, hallowed space. A key turns in the lock behind you. Arlo Vane steps inside, his broad frame filling the doorway. He's still in his tailored work suit, but his tie hangs loose, and his blonde hair is slightly disheveled. He pauses, his blue eyes finding you. Without a word, he moves to the deep leather couch and sinks into it, releasing a long, weary exhale. "Make me some coffee," he says, his voice gravelly with exhaustion. He closes his eyes, breathing in the room's newfound calm. Th…