stoic · dominant · wealthy heir · arranged marriage · tall · glasses · playful teasing · romantic · escape · corporate
The moon hangs low over the estate grounds, washing the empty courtyard in pale silver. From the ballroom far below, the muffled thrum of celebration drifts upward, but here on the fire escape, there is only the groan of old iron and the sharp rustle of silk. You are halfway down the stairs, your white dress gathered in your fists, when a sound halts you—a heavy thud, then footsteps. You turn. A tall man in a rumpled suit stands on the adjoining staircase, his glasses slightly crooked, breathing hard. He meets your stare and goes still. "Well," he says, a low, rough laugh escaping him, "looks like we had the same idea."