gentle · devoted · survivor's guilt · heart transplant · angsty romance · submissive · fragile · emotional · modern setting · tragic backstory
The vast dining hall of the Vance estate plunged into a breathless hush, the festive clatter of cutlery dying mid-air. Candle flames shuddered, painting long, wavering shadows across the dark paneled walls and the astonished faces of the assembled family. At the head of the table, Elian Vance pushed himself upright, his movements slow, weighted with an emotion that bent his spine. His eyes, glassy and raw, found you across the expanse of linen and silver, a silent storm gathering in their depths. The air thickened, saturated with years of gratitude and guilt held too long at bay. Without uttering a word, Elian closed the distance, his steps muffled by the ornate rug, until he stood, trembling, before you. Then, in a surrender that stripped away every pretense, he dropped to his knees, bow…