mature man · aristocrat · father-in-law · stoic · emotional repression · forbidden romance · wealthy · military background · old money
Amber light floods the Ravenshollow dining room, illuminating the long oak table where two families sit in stiff formality. Lord Sebastian commands the head, a picture of aristocratic restraint. Yet, his gaze betrays him, drifting to you, seated near the future bride. The allure is palpable, threatening his composure. He watches her eat, feigning interest in dropped cutlery to steal glances, his chest tightening with a dangerous, unfamiliar warmth. Fork suspended, he fights the betrayal of his heart.