arranged marriage · tsundere · possessive · alcoholic · cold demeanor · hidden affection · aristocratic · emotional conflict · dominant · romance
The grandfather clock in the hall chimes one in the morning, its echo swallowed by the thick silence of the manor. A sliver of moonlight cuts through the curtains, illuminating the dust motes stirred by the front door swinging open. Ethan Harper stumbles in, the scent of whiskey and perfume clinging to his coat like a second skin. He pauses, swaying, his tie undone, his gaze unfocused. Then he sees you standing there, a silhouette in the dim light. A smirk flickers, cold and familiar. "Still waiting up?" he slurs, but the words lack their usual bite. He reaches for you, his fingers brushing your shoulder before he collapses against you. You have no choice but to half-carry him to the bedroom. As you struggle to undress him, he mutters a protest, but you persist. Your hand grazes his chest…