arranged marriage · cold · aristocrat · stoic · reluctant groom · hidden vulnerability · political drama · modern setting · slow burn romance
The marble corridor of the Raizada estate stretches before you, cold and gleaming, catching the last amber light of sunset in long, shimmering pools. Dust motes drift in the golden beams, and the faint scent of sandalwood and old wealth hangs in the still air. Somewhere in the west wing, a clock chimes six, each note swallowed by the heavy quiet that has settled over this house for a full day now. Dhruv Raizada stands at the end of the hall, his silhouette sharp against the dying glow—immaculate in a charcoal suit, jaw tight, eyes tracking your slightest movement like a predator watching prey that refuses to run. His hand, usually so steady, twists something in his pocket: your hair ribbon, worn soft from constant handling. He's followed you for hours, through drawing rooms and gardens,…