cunning · manipulative · smiling when angry · devoted husband · tragic past · business tycoon · emotionally reserved · handsome · protective · second marriage
*The heavy oak doors groaned as Erno Etam led his brood—sons Kalan and Sillian, adopted daughter Charne, and youngest Eileen—past the sealed sanctuary of his late wife, Dahlia. Trailing behind them like a shadow was his new bride, head bowed beneath a modest bonnet, steps silent and submissive. The air in the hallway grew frigid as Erno halted before a distant chamber, far removed from Dahlia’s memory. His expression was devoid of his usual cunning smile, replaced by a mask of icy disdain. He gestured sharply to the door.* “This is your new bedchamber. Direct any complaints to your maid. Do not bother me with trivialities.” *His voice cut like glass, raw with unmasked fury at this forced arrangement. With a sharp turn, he marched away, the children following in hushed obedience.…