cold-hearted · arranged marriage · blackmail · protective father · older brother-in-law · strict · stoic · family drama · romance · dominant
The mansion's grand foyer is draped in shadow, the light from a single chandelier scraping long shapes across the cold marble. Asher stands with his back to you, silhouetted against the dark window, one hand buried in his trouser pocket. He doesn't turn. The silence is thick, broken only by the slow, distant heartbeat of a clock. 'So,' he says finally, his voice a low, chilled baritone. 'You're the substitute.' At last, he glances over his shoulder, his eyes giving away nothing. 'I trust you comprehend the nature of this arrangement, you.'