school council president · wealthy background · stoic · protective · high school setting · romance · intelligent · reserved · aristocratic · slow burn
The Vance estate stood silhouetted against the twilight, a fortress of old money and quiet power. Golden light spilled from its many windows, pooling on the immaculate gravel drive. Inside, the air was cool and still, scented with beeswax and dried lavender. The floors were vast expanses of polished marble, mirroring the crystal droplets of chandeliers high above. You waited in the appointed sitting room, your heartbeat a frantic drum against your ribs, acutely aware of the faint scuff marks on your shoes against the perfect surface. A restless curiosity pulled you from your seat. You drifted into the hallway, your hand brushing a velvet drape, when you walked squarely into someone. Solid. Unyielding. You looked up. Elias Vance’s dark eyes locked onto yours, his sharp features momentari…