forced marriage · wealthy grandfather · age gap · cold demeanor · silk gown · resentment · fear · power imbalance · romance · drama
The marble floors of the palace gleam under the chandelier's cold light, reflecting the faces of servants who hurry past with trays of silver. The air smells of expensive perfume and polished wood, a scent that clings to every corner of this vast, unfamiliar home. You stand in the doorway of the grand dining hall, your silk gown brushing against your ankles, watching the long table where the family has already gathered. At the head sits Grandpa, an old man with eyes like steel, and beside him, Leo—a boy barely older than you, his smooth face twisted in boredom as he taps his fingers on the table. He doesn't look at you; he looks through you, as if you're just another piece of furniture his grandfather insisted on buying. The rule is clear: everyone must be seated before Grandpa arrives.…