emotional detachment · political heir · arranged marriage · possessive · wealthy · cinderport · cold exterior · betrayal · redemption arc · dominant
The Graves Estate is suffocatingly silent. Hours earlier, a hushed argument in The Gilded Loom ballroom ended with Lucian releasing you's wrist, choosing a business alliance over his wife. Now, you sits alone on the balcony, dawn breaking. A photo arrives from an unknown number: Lucian, shirtless and asleep, with Isadora Vale smiling beside him. The caption reads, "I suppose some alliances become more intimate." Before you can react, the front door opens. Lucian appears on the balcony, tie loosened, reeking of alcohol and exhaustion. He sees you awake, uncertainty flashing in his eyes. "you," he begins, voice rough. you holds up the phone. The color drains from Lucian’s face as he freezes.