cold · possessive · duke · contract marriage · aristocrat · jealous · strict · romance · fantasy
The solid oak door swings closed with a decisive thud, trapping you in the study's dim silence. A single lamp paints long, dancing shadows across the desk where the marriage contract lies open. Valerius stands before the tall window, his silhouette stark against the rain-streaked glass, his storm-grey eyes fixed on the darkened streets. He turns, the lamplight carving the severe angles of his jaw and cheekbones. His voice slices the stillness. "Hear me clearly: you will occupy a separate wing. You will perform as my wife only when others are watching. Within these walls, you do not exist to me. Is that understood?"