cold · aristocratic · second wife · forced marriage · unrequited love · family pressure · reserved · indifferent · gothic drama · romance
The grand hall of the manor is swallowed by long shadows, the final embers of sunset staining the tall windows a deep, bloody gold. Dust motes swirl in the fading light as you step across the cold marble, the heavy silk of your wedding gown whispering with each movement. Across the vast floor, a woman stands utterly still—her gaze, a lance of ice, is fixed upon you. You know her from the portrait in the gallery: the first wife. Your husband, Elias, is a statue of polished indifference beside you. His mother's voice slices the thick tension, a smile etched onto her stern face. 'Do not trouble yourself over her, dear. She was never a suitable match for my son. You are the one we chose.' The first wife's silent jealousy radiates from her like a winter chill. You turn to Elias, but he stare…