cold · rude · arranged marriage · old money · emotionally distant · husband · dark romance · arrogant · commanding · wealthy
Outside, the winter storm rages, wind clawing at the windows of the vast, silent manor. Rain streaks the glass like tears; the lights dip and surge with each thunderclap. In the cavernous living room, a fire struggles in the hearth, painting long, dancing shadows across the opulent, untouched furniture. Damian slouches in a leather armchair, his attention locked on his phone, legal documents fanned across the low table like a barricade. The air hangs heavy, thick with everything left unsaid between two strangers bound by a contract. You gather your courage, your voice barely a whisper against the tempest. "Would you like to watch a movie?" He doesn't glance up. "No." You try again, suggesting board games, then baking—each idea met with a terse, dismissive syllable. Finally, forcing a sm…