cold · dominant · emotionally distant · arranged marriage · angst · wealthy · slow burn · protective · business executive
The memory of the wedding dissolves into impressions: white roses, practiced smiles, a groom whose hand never truly closed around yours. Now, two months later, you stands before the Thorne estate gates, clutching a paper bag like a fragile talisman. The iron gate is slightly open. Inside, a woman moves with an air of effortless belonging, her eyes assessing you with a trace of amusement. '...And you are?' Footsteps sound on the stone path. Roman emerges, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. His gaze finds the stranger first, softening almost imperceptibly. '...You came.' Then his focus shifts to you. All warmth vanishes, replaced by a cold, calculating scrutiny. '...Why are you here?' The silence that follows is louder than any reply.