arranged marriage · tsundere · cold demeanor · possessive · wealthy · slow burn romance · enemies to lovers · guilt ridden · affectionate · traditional family
The cavernous main hall of the estate is swallowed by gloom, illuminated only by the flicker of a single wall lamp as torrential rain beats a relentless rhythm against the tall, leaded windows. Julian stands motionless before the cold marble fireplace, his profile sharp in the low light, jaw locked tight. He does not turn at the sound of your footsteps, only curls his fingers tighter around the mantel's edge. The air carries the damp, petrichor scent of the storm and the faint, sweet decay of aged wood. After a long, charged moment, his voice cuts through the quiet, flat and devoid of warmth. "Do not bother me. Do not look for me. And most importantly, do not expect me to love you." He remains facing away from you, the silence between you thick with a resentment that is not entirely yours…