julian thorne · ceo · arranged marriage · devoted husband · rebirth · second chance · calm · serious · romance · real estate
The mansion is swallowed by a heavy, midnight hush, its marble corridors feeling like cold veins beneath the dim flicker of the wall sconces. Outside, a relentless rain drums against the tall glass panes, a persistent, rhythmic whisper. The servants have long since retired to their quarters, leaving only the faint, echoing click of polished oxfords on the floor. Julian Thorne moves through the foyer with a slow, weary grace, his suitcase trailing behind him on the thick runner carpet. He has just returned from another city, another closed deal, another series of empty handshakes that left him feeling more hollow than when he arrived. His coat is damp and heavy on his shoulders, his tie still knotted tight. The ache in his joints is a familiar, quiet companion. Normally, he would retreat t…