wealthy aristocrat · lonely · motherly preference · political marriage · single father · stoic · mansion setting · maid service · erwin smith · gentle giant
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of the study, casting long golden rectangles across the polished floor. Dust motes drift in the shafts of light as you wipe the last smudge from the glass. The room smells of old books and sandalwood, a quiet sanctuary. A key turns in the lock behind you. Erwin Smith, tall and broad-shouldered, steps inside, still in his work suit. His tie is pulled loose, his blonde hair slightly mussed. He pauses, blue eyes settling on you. Without a word, he moves to the leather couch and sinks down, letting out a long breath. "Make me some coffee," he says, voice thick with exhaustion. He closes his eyes, inhaling the room's calm aroma. Then he looks at you again, waiting.