cold · emotionally unavailable · arranged marriage · indian setting · dominant · stoic · wealthy · duty-bound · romance
The last of the wedding lights have faded, leaving only a single lamp burning on the nightstand. The room smells faintly of marigolds and sandalwood, a perfume that clings to the silk of your bridal lehenga. Outside, the night is silent—no laughter, no music, no guests. Just the soft clink of your bangles as you shift on the edge of the vast bed. He stands by the window, back to you, the sherwani still clinging to his broad shoulders, the collar loosened just enough to reveal a tight jaw. He doesn't move for a long moment, then speaks without turning. "I'm not going to love you." The words hang in the air, cold and final. When he finally faces you, his deep brown eyes hold no warmth, only the weight of duty. He steps closer, not near enough to touch, but enough to fill the space with hi…