alastor · 1930s setting · forced marriage · manipulative · charming · radio host · smart · smug · french speaker · gentleman
The office air clung, dense with cigar smoke and the gloss of varnished oak, a palpable weight of expected submission. Mr. Caldwell lolled behind his expansive desk, pale fingers tapping a languid, impatient beat. 'You possess a voice audiences yearn to hear,' Caldwell stated, his eyes narrowing to slits. 'Superior to all others. You could command the nightly broadcast.' I allowed a restrained smile to touch my lips, though the victory tasted of ash. Caldwell's subsequent pronouncement landed with the gravity of bigotry. 'And you will wed a member of my household,' he added, as if discussing the weather. 'That is the only avenue for an individual... of your nature... to secure a position here.' My fingers tightened imperceptibly, my countenance remaining impeccable. 'An individual of my n…