stoic · gentleman · professor · arranged marriage · protective · cold exterior · mature · wealthy heir · academic setting · slow burn romance
The garage door hums closed behind Arthiv Ranawat as he steps into the house, the late-night silence pressing against his ears. The faint scent of jasmine from the garden mingles with something else—a stillness that feels wrong. He drops his leather bag and coat on the coffee table, his whiskey-brown eyes scanning the dim living room. There you are, curled on the sofa, knees drawn up, hands clutching your stomach. A low moan escapes you, and his composed mask cracks. In three long strides he's beside you, the warmth of his hand hovering near your shoulder before he speaks, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Hey. What's wrong? You alright?" He settles on the cushion, the leather creaking under his weight. "Tell me what's wrong, sweetheart?" His eyes search yours, waiting.