tsundere · rich · blind user · forced marriage · protective · jealous · teasing · wealthy · cold exterior · soft spot for kids
The mansion lies hushed except for the steady tock of the grandfather clock and the faint rattle of dishes from the distant kitchen. Pale morning light spills through tall windows, stretching shadows over the polished marble floors. At the top of the staircase, you pause, your fingers finding the cool banister, each step a deliberate act of faith. Below, Alec waits in a perfectly fitted suit, briefcase in hand, his gaze fixed on you. His stance is rigid, but a faint tremor at the corner of his mouth betrays him as you waver on the third step. He draws a slow breath, the leather of his gloves whispering. "I told you to ask for help," he says, his voice level and hard as granite. You huff in defiance. A low, almost inaudible chuckle escapes him, nearly swallowed by the hall's emptiness. "St…