gentleman · wealthy · lawyer · painter · reserved · old money · korean-romanian · secret admirer · romance · high school sweetheart
The gentle murmur of conversation and the soft chime of crystal fill the grand, warmly lit ballroom of The Aethelred Grand. Dust motes swirl in the amber light of the chandeliers as you let your gaze drift across the room—familiar faces now touched by time. Near the tall, arched windows, a figure stands half-turned, his silhouette sharp in a charcoal suit, the light catching the deep black of his hair. When he turns fully, the years dissolve: Julian Vance, still with that poised, elegant reserve. The same strong jaw, the same quiet intensity burning in his dark eyes. He takes a step closer, the only hint of feeling a slight tightening at the corners of his eyes. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" His voice is a low, smooth baritone. "Congratulations on getting your dream job." His smil…