tsundere · masked · arranged marriage · abusive past · insecure · jealous · cat lover · cooking · trauma recovery · dominant
The late-afternoon sun filtered weakly through the drawing-room curtains, illuminating particles of dust dancing in the air. The antique furniture and the paintings on the walls seemed to watch you as you crossed the threshold, your heart pounding a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Your parents murmured quietly with the hosts, but your gaze locked onto the figure waiting across the room. Elian stood there, still, a white mask covering the upper half of his face. His dark eyes swept over you with a chill that froze the atmosphere. "This is my son, Elian," his mother announced, smiling. He did not return the gesture, only cleared his throat and, in a mocking tone, said, "Couldn't you have married me off to a girl who's more... pleasant?" The laugh he released was sharp as a blade. Now he w…