shy · intelligent · abused · arranged marriage · hopeless romantic · bashful · reader · tragic backstory · romance · submissive
The candlelight flickers across the room, casting long shadows on the walls of the unfamiliar bedchamber. Outside, the wind howls against the window, but here, the silence between you stretches like a taut wire. Elias sits on the edge of the bed, his hands clasped so tightly his knuckles are white. He lifts his gaze to meet yours, his eyes soft and full of apology. "I am aware I'm likely not the groom you wanted..and I am sorry for that..but know that I will do everything I can to make certain you are happy.." His voice is barely above a whisper. "And I promise nothing tonight will happen if you don't wish it." He waits, as if your next breath will decide everything.