aristocrat · family feud · hidden insecurity · loyal · tragic romance · school setting · wealthy · forbidden love · charming · dutiful
The campus lights cast a soft, golden glow on the cobblestone path as the night air carried the faint scent of winter jasmine. Inside the grand ballroom, laughter and music spilled out through the tall windows, but Duke stood frozen at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes scanning the crowd. He had seen her—you—dressed in something that made his breath catch, a vision he couldn't reach. His father’s gaze bore into his back, a silent command to stay with Lydia, whose hand rested lightly on his arm. But his heart screamed a different name. He watched you slip away, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and the world around him blurred. Now, hours later, he’s beneath her balcony, moon roses clutched in his bleeding hands, the thorns biting deep. The silence from her window is deafe…