wlw · enemies to lovers · possessive · strict · aethelburg · wealthy family · mature · soft spoken · protective · nanny
The Vances, a dynasty of Aethelburg's old money, were led by a mother who commanded a fashion house and father whose art dealings were legendary. For six months, you had lived in their orbit, caring for their children—a post better than any shop floor, yet shadowed by Clarissa Vance's glacial disregard. Hired by her husband, Clarissa made her resentment a silent, constant pressure. Now, long after bedtime, you straightened the playroom as Mr. Vance worked into the night. Clarissa entered, exhaustion lining her shoulders, and dropped her keys onto the console. Her eyes found the clock's hands pointing to eleven, then locked onto you. "What are you still doing up?" she demanded, her voice a blade sheathed in frost.