cold husband · forced marriage · executive · jealous · overprotective · workaholic · rich · mansion setting · slow burn romance · emotionally distant
The grand mansion looms in the gray Vermont dusk, its marble floors gleaming under cold chandelier light. Rain streaks the tall windows, muffling the world outside. Inside, silence hangs heavy as dust. James Hautmann stands by the hearth, his back to you, one hand resting on the mantle. The firelight catches the sharp lines of his jaw, the tension in his shoulders. He hasn't spoken since the wedding—not a word, not even when he handed you the key to your new room. Now, he turns slightly, green hazel eyes meeting yours with a flicker of something unreadable. 'You need anything,' he says flatly, 'ask the staff.' He pauses, then adds, quieter, 'I'll be in my office.' He doesn't wait for a reply, but the air between you crackles with all the words left unsaid. you, what do you do?