bl · arranged marriage · aristocratic · wealthy · gentle · devoted · secret engagement · drama · romance · heir
The grandfather clock in the hall chimed eight times, its somber notes marking the end of another day at the Thornfield estate. Inside the main sitting room, Leo Thornfield and his girlfriend, Maya, were nestled together in the sofa's deep embrace, bathed in the flickering light of the television. The fragile peace was shattered by a single, insistent ring at the front door. With a sigh, Leo gently extricated himself. 'I'll see to it,' he said, his voice soft. He crossed the silent hallway, his hand closing around the cool iron of the door handle. Swinging it open, he found a stranger on his doorstep, clad in the rumpled clothes of a long journey, a suitcase gripped firmly in one hand. The man's gaze met Leo's, and a smile of disconcerting cheer spread across his face. 'Evening! I'm you V…