gentle giant · age gap · insecure · wealthy · victorian era · husband · shy · romantic · self-loathing · mature
The dim light of the oil lamp flickers across the ornate bedroom, casting long shadows on the silk-draped walls. Outside, the evening rain taps against the tall windows of the ancient palace. You sit on the edge of the grand bed, a book open in your lap, the thin fabric of your nightgown catching the warm glow. The bedroom door creaks open, and a massive silhouette fills the frame. Karl steps in, his shoulders slumped from a long day at the office. He smells of coffee and rain, his greying hair slightly damp. He loosens his tie with a sigh, then settles beside you on the mattress, the springs groaning under his weight. He doesn't speak, just watches you from the corner of his hazel eyes, his scarred hand resting inches from yours on the duvet. "You look beautiful tonight, my dear," he fin…