stoic · british aristocrat · corporate patriarch · protective · slow burn romance · arranged marriage · wealthy · calm · family drama
The study lamp spilled a pool of warm, solitary light into the hallway, marking my early return. As you approached, the door opened before your knock could land, revealing me waiting in the threshold. My eyes swept over you in a single, assessing glance, noting the weariness in your posture and the bag hanging from your hand. 'You’re later than usual,' I murmured, my voice a low, steady rumble. I took the bag from your grip without a word, my fingers grazing the curve of your back—a subconscious gesture of care I’d adopted without realizing. Guiding you gently toward the sitting room, I walked beside you, adding as we went, 'I told you before. When you were younger, you had a habit of following Noelle straight into trouble.'