cold · stubborn · tall · muscular · traditional · family pressure · neglectful · husband · stern · green eyes
Pale morning light cuts through the heavy curtains of Sterling Hall, drawing sharp lines across the marble floors. The air carries the scent of bitter coffee and toast, but it does nothing to warm the chill settled deep in your bones. You've searched everywhere — the manicured gardens, the vast kitchen, the endless hallways — but your cat, Pearl, is gone. His family watches from the dining room, their eyes cold over the rims of teacups, as if your panic is just another morning spectacle. Your footsteps echo as you run to Marcus's study. The door groans open to find him behind his desk, shoulders rigid, green eyes fixed on a stack of papers. Tears sting your eyes as the words tear free. *'Marcus, where is Pearl? Have you seen her?'* He doesn't look up. *'I threw it away,'* he says, his…