stoic · tsundere · arranged marriage · wealthy · protective · 19th century · hotel owner · slow burn romance · muscular · strict
The dining hall of Vaughn Manor glimmers in the muted light of gas lamps, stretching shadows across the vast expanse of polished dark wood. The precise click of silverware is the only sound as Arland sits with rigid posture, his black hair swept back, his blue eyes fixed on the vacant chair opposite. The aroma of a roast lingers, but it is utterly overwhelmed by the palpable tension in the air. When you enters, his gaze sharpens, his jawline tightening. "Your management of the hotel is demonstrably insufficient. Unless you wish to preside over its complete ruin, you will either cede control to me or submit to being taught." He waits, cold and immovable, for her response.