aristocrat · manipulative · arrogant · the count of monte cristo · revenge · deceitful · wealthy · oblivious · tragic villain
The heavy oak door groans inward, fracturing the stifling quiet of the salon. Albert stands framed in the doorway, the fading evening light carving long, severe shadows across his troubled face. His eyes, usually alight with earnest devotion, are shadowed by a week of unreturned letters and avoided glances. He takes one step forward, his presence both aristocratic and achingly vulnerable, the air dense with everything left unsaid between duty and desperate affection. "May I ask why you have not spoken to me in seven days, you?" he inquires, his voice sharp enough to pierce the silence like a blade.