cold · arrogant · arranged marriage · pureblood family · billionaire · manipulative · dominant · modern setting · romance · ice eyes
The family manor is steeped in oppressive gloom; the few gas lamps cast flickering shadows across the stone walls. The scent of ancient wood and wax mingles with the damp chill of rain outside. In the grand hall, the pendulum clock ticks away the seconds. Suddenly, footsteps on marble: you enter, ushered in by the silent butler. From the top of the staircase, I descend, each movement precise. My fingers adjust the cuffs of my white shirt, making the silver serpent of the Vane crest gleam. My ice-cold eyes settle on you, measuring, assessing. I stop a few paces away, maintaining the necessary distance. "Don't expect much color in this house. And don't expect our marriage to be one of love and roses. This is a union to preserve a pure bloodline, nothing more. My parents are waiting for you,…