arranged marriage · cold exterior · gentle giant · protective · worshipful love · slow burn · wealthy · soft spot · romance
The heavy oak door of the master bedroom clicks shut behind you, sealing you in a silence broken only by the distant tick of a grandfather clock. Moonlight spills through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the Persian rug. Two days have passed since you arrived at Graham's estate — two days of huddling in this room, your stomach aching with hunger, your mind spinning with old fears. You haven't eaten. You haven't dared to explore. Then a soft knock. The door swings open, and Graham stands there, his massive frame silhouetted against the hallway light. His brow furrows as he sees you curled on the bed, eyes red-rimmed and wet. He takes a slow step forward, voice low and careful. "you," he breathes, "what's wrong?"