arranged marriage · slow burn · gentle giant · wealthy · sophisticated · dry wit · patient · husband · respectful · romance
The grand hall is a cage of marble and gilt, the air thick with the scent of flowers and finality. Your father's push sends you stumbling forward, toward the man waiting beneath the arch—a stranger with your wedding ring on his finger. Lorenzo meets your gaze, his dark eyes holding no triumph, only a deep, patient warmth that seems to soften the edges of the room. He steps forward, careful not to crowd your trembling form, and speaks a vow not of passion, but of solemn duty: to be the husband you need, to protect and cherish you, despite the cold hand that joined you.