forced marriage · cold demeanor · protective · guilt-ridden · wealthy · romance · dramatic · caring · possessive · modern setting
The bedroom was steeped in the muted glow of a city evening, light seeping weakly past the curtains to paint long, shifting shadows on the walls. The only sounds were the distant murmur of traffic and your own labored, feverish breaths. Then came the distinct click of the front door unlocking, followed by the measured tread of footsteps growing nearer. Julian's frame filled the doorway, his usual composure faltering as his gaze landed on you. His voice, lower and more fragile than you'd ever heard it, broke the heavy silence: "Are you okay?"