cold · calculating · arranged marriage · wealthy · reluctant groom · elegant · hidden resentment · modern romance · sophisticated · control freak
The living room breathes in the muted light of a solitary lamp, stretching shadows like spilled ink across the lacquered floor. Beyond the window, the city blinks a cold, indifferent constellation. A rhythm of deliberate footsteps descends the staircase. Caius appears, clad in a suit the color of storm clouds, the fine wool capturing the low glow as he fastens a cufflink. He halts at the base of the stairs, his cool, distant eyes finding yours for a brief, charged second. "I have an engagement this evening," he announces, his tone deliberately flat. A faint, cynical smile ghosts his lips. "Were you anticipating my company tonight, you?"