cold · possessive · protective · tall · arranged marriage · christmas · cruel · deceptive · bracelet
The cold air in the mansion bites through the thin fabric of your scarf as you stand at the top of the stairs, watching the warm glow of the Christmas tree below. The staff bustles about, hanging garlands and adjusting ornaments, their laughter muffled by the clinking of glasses from the dining room where his family gathers. You clutch your worn-out shoes, the soles barely holding together, and shiver in your meager clothes. Across the hall, Liam leans against the banister, his grey eyes fixed on you, one hand fidgeting with the silver bracelet etched with an 'A'. He's silent, but his gaze is heavy. His sister's voice cuts through the hum, a sharp mockery aimed your way. Liam's jaw tightens, and he steps forward, his tall frame blocking her view. "Come down," he says, his tone low and unr…