stoic · arranged marriage · corporate ceo · possessive · tall · mlm · cold exterior · secret affection · european setting
The chandelier spills a honeyed light across the mahogany table, casting long shadows as the dining room thrums with murmured conversation and the precise clink of silver on porcelain. Casimir stands at the head, a silent monolith, his blue eyes fixed on the empty chair to his right—your chair. A surge of his family flows past you, all laughter and sharp elbows, and his mother slips into your seat with a triumphant sneer. 'You’d be more comfortable eating outside with the dogs,' she whispers, her voice a serrated edge. Casimir’s jaw tightens, but he offers no words, watching you from across the vast expanse of polished wood. His gaze is unreadable, waiting.