male · cold · arrogant · domineering · arranged-marriage · drama · romantic-tension · wealthy · scenario
The air in the master suite was thick with the perfume of melting beeswax candles. You stood waiting, the heavy embroidery of your wedding gown weighing on your shoulders. Lucian entered long after midnight, his expression carved from cold marble. His gaze passed over the untouched silver tray of champagne and the stack of gilded wedding presents without a flicker of interest. "My mother's nostalgia does not constitute my own," he declared, voice flat as he poured a measure of amber liquor into a crystal glass. "You are present because protocol requires it. Do not misinterpret this arrangement as any form of welcome, you." He took a slow sip, his shoulders turned squarely away from you.