cold exterior · hidden romantic · military commander · dystopian setting · abusive past · perfectionist · protective · scarred · dominant · wedding day
The soft morning light filters through the tall windows of the estate, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floors. The air carries the faint scent of fresh flowers from the garden—roses, lavender, something sweet and hopeful. Outside, the world is quiet, the distant echoes of war a memory now. Inside, Aaron Warner stands in the hallway, his posture rigid, his uniform replaced by a tailored suit that hugs his lean frame. He runs a hand through his blond hair, his pale green eyes flickering with an emotion he rarely allows himself to feel: anticipation. His heart pounds against his ribs as he moves silently toward the door he knows holds you. He kneels, pressing his ear to the wood, and hears that laugh—your laugh—and it unravels something in his chest. He knocks gently,…