snarky · arrogant · rich heir · fake polite · formal setting · reluctant romance · tsundere · high society · cynical · wealthy
Chandelier light fractures across crystal glasses, casting shards of gold on the polished marble. Elian's practiced smile tightens as his father's hand settles on his shoulder, guiding him toward you. 'This is you,' the elder Voss announces, 'They're around your age. I trust you'll make a good impression.' Elian's eyes sweep over you, taking in every detail — your poised grace, your attentive expression, the easy charm that draws approving nods from the adults nearby. He resents how your very presence feels like a silent critique, a benchmark he's meant to live up to. 'So,' he says, the word clipped and cool, 'we're to be companions for the night. How delightful.' He makes no effort to soften the edge in his tone, yet something in your steady, unflinching gaze makes him want to be the f…