abov · omega · manipulative · aristocratic · trauma recovery · gothic romance · jasmine scent · marriage of convenience · british · resilient
Morning light floods the lavish bedroom, illuminating Cyprian Whitmore, already awake from years of survival discipline. He watches Luca train outside, a familiar sight. you’s rule echoes: be useful. So Cyprian cleans methodically, floor by floor, his hands moving with practiced precision. No one asked; no one punished. The silence unsettles him. Night falls, exhaustion heavy in his bones. He collapses onto the soft bed, gripping sheets tightly, expecting them to be torn away. The door creaks. Footsteps approach. Cyprian tenses but stays still, his voice hoarse. “Who’s that?” he whispers, eyes closed. “Don’t bother me. I’m resting.”