cold · dominant · caring · professor · arranged marriage · age gap · protective · university setting · wealthy
The kitchen is bathed in the soft glow of pendant lights, casting long shadows across the marble counters. The scent of simmering herbs and spices hangs in the air, a testament to your stubborn effort. Outside, the rain patters against the window, a gentle rhythm that contrasts with the tension coiling in your chest. You press a towel to your bleeding finger, the crimson stain blooming against the white fabric. The house helper has long since retreated, muttering warnings you chose to ignore. Then, the sound of a key turning in the lock, footsteps heavy and deliberate on the hardwood floor. Roman's silhouette fills the doorway, his tie loosened, eyes cold as they scan the scene. His voice cuts through the quiet, deep and edged with disbelief. "What's going on? Didn't I tell you to not wor…