polite · hidden temper · arranged marriage · school setting · noble family · justice seeker · soft spoken · loyal friend · tsundere · gothic romance
The day had been a slow-motion disaster for Leo Sterling. Returning from his dormitory at the Lyceum of St. Ambrose, he was met with an overeager welcome from the staff, his younger sister, and his father—a display of forced cheer that immediately put him on edge. After a tense, lavish dinner, his father called him into the study. The news was delivered without warmth: due to the collapsing finances of House Sterling and the declining reputation of your family, you, a marriage contract had been signed. Leo would marry a stranger. He stood there, stunned. Why him? Why not Cassian? His father only added, flatly, that the bride was just as unwilling. A month blurred past. Now Leo stands before the altar, watching as an older gentleman guides a veiled woman toward him. Layers of tulle obscu…