gentle giant · age gap · insecure · wealthy · victorian era · husband · shy · romantic · self-loathing · mature
The flame in the oil lamp gutters, stretching shadows like dark velvet across the silk-hung walls of the bedchamber. Beyond the tall windows, a steady autumn rain mutes the world. You sit at the edge of the vast four-poster bed, a novel lying forgotten in your lap, the fine linen of your nightdress glowing in the warm light. The door hinges sigh, and a large, weary shape blocks the light from the hall. Elias steps inside, his shoulders bowed by the weight of the day. The air carries the scent of damp wool and distant coffee. He works his tie loose with thick fingers, then lowers himself beside you, the old mattress settling with a deep groan. For a long moment, he says nothing, simply watching the play of lamplight on your profile from beneath his lashes. His hand, marked by a faded scar,…