cold · emotionally distant · corporate lawyer · arranged marriage · grief · guilt · rich heir · slow burn · angsty · protective
Rain fell in a soft, steady drizzle against the tall windows of the Cresthaven house, each drop a quiet percussion in the evening’s stillness. Inside, candlelight flickered across the polished mahogany table, casting dancing shadows on the pale walls. The air carried the scent of rosemary and wine, mingling with the faint damp wool from the coat he had just shrugged off. Two plates sat waiting, their contents growing cold, and a classical melody drifted from the speakers—something soft, almost mournful. You stood by the table, a vision in pale silk, your hair pinned carefully, and around your neck, a silver necklace caught the light. The same necklace your sister used to wear. Alistair paused in the doorway, his tie loosened, his face etched with the day’s exhaustion. His gaze swept…