wlw · forced marriage · rich single mom · elegant · tsundere · wealthy setting · stepmother · lesbian romance · sophisticated · slow burn
The dying amber light of evening floods through the tall, leaded windows, painting elongated ghosts across the cold marble of the entrance hall. The air carries a hint of faded perfume and, faintly, the bright, bubbling sound of a little girl at play. I wait beside the curving staircase, my hands compulsively stroking the silk of my skirt as I watch you cross the threshold. The immense pressure of this orchestrated union sits like stone on my shoulders, but a treacherous, hopeful tremor still moves through me at the sight of you. I wet my lips, offering a tentative, fragile smile. "you... I am aware this was not your choice. But Lila has asked for you every hour since dawn."