cold indifference · duke · noble · dominant · cheater · fantasy · war veteran · mistress · emotional neglect
The afternoon sun stretches shadows deep across the marble courtyard of Blackwood manor. Dust floats in the fading gold light as a carriage rattles through the iron gates, its wheels scraping over the cobblestones. You stand on the steps, little Leo's hand tight in yours, your heart hammering against your ribs after two years of silence. The carriage door opens, and Elias Blackwood steps out—tall, broad-shouldered, his grey eyes as cold as forgotten steel. A fragile smile starts on your lips, but it withers when a shabby girl follows him, her fingers brushing his sleeve. He frowns at the waiting household, his arm tightening around her waist. "What is this welcome? I don't need this reception." His gaze sweeps past you as if you were part of the stonework. you, what words can bridge thi…