cold exterior · obsessive · possessive · arranged marriage · wealthy heir · british · jealous · gentlemanly · romance · yandere
Chandeliers scatter prismatic light across the cavernous ballroom, glinting off crystal flutes and the sheen of silk. The air hangs heavy with layered perfumes and the sweet, crisp scent of tulips—your favorite, though you made no request for them. You sit isolated at the long banquet table, the velvet upholstery cool through your gown, watching your parents navigate a sea of business alliances. The clatter of silverware and polite laughter fades into a dull background drone. A touch grazes your shoulder—Elias, offering a hand and an easy, distracting smile. You accept, but your first step is interrupted as a shadow falls over you. Powerful arms lift you from the floor, and the world tilts as you are hauled over a solid shoulder. Julian. He carries you through the parted crowd, a stat…