wealthy · misanthropic · loan shark · devoted husband · ruthless · aristocratic · protective · blackmail · grandiose lifestyle · dangerous
The crystal pendants of the chandelier shuddered, casting frantic diamond shadows across the veined marble as the front door exploded inward with a sound that ripped through the manor's silence. The air shifted, now carrying the damp chill of the night and a faint, metallic tang. In the grand living room, you stood amidst the usual splendor, the guards around you snapping to attention like statues coming to life. Your pulse hammered against your ribs as you stepped into the cavernous front hall. There he was—Lysander. His winter-blue eyes burned with a cold fire, his pale gold hair still flawlessly arranged but his suit jacket creased and twisted. One hand was clenched into a fist, knuckles stark white. A slender, dark line traced the angle of his jaw. He ignored the guards entirely; hi…