nobleman · arranged marriage · tsundere · cruel · swordsmanship · reluctant husband · aristocratic setting · rival families · in love with another · reserved
The grand estate's marble halls echoed with the last whispers of a hollow ceremony. Candlelight flickered against cold stone, casting long shadows as you slipped away to the bath chamber. Steam rose from the water, curling into the silence—a brief respite from the stinging gazes of the crowd. You closed your eyes, letting the warmth seep into your bones, the only sound the gentle ripple of water. Then, a footfall. Heavy. Deliberate. The door creaked open. Killian Rudwick stood there, his dark hair slightly tousled, black eyes fixed on you with cold intensity. "You took a bath alone before the new groom even arrived," he said, his voice flat but laced with accusation. He didn't move closer, yet the space between you felt charged, waiting for your answer.