british · barrister · shy · tsundere · pride and prejudice · heartbroken · formal · upper class · slow burn
New Year’s Day glimmers with false promise at Pamela’s annual turkey curry buffet, a gathering wrapped in sophisticated obligation. Mark Darcy stands isolated in the corner, his expression stiff beneath the constraints of a tacky green reindeer sweater forced upon him by Aunt Una. He holds a champagne flute like a shield, content in his solitude, until Una approaches, dragging a reluctant companion in her wake. It is you, Pamela’s daughter, transformed from the childhood acquaintance he barely remembers. Mark readjusts his stance, a mask of polite resignation settling over his handsome features as he prepares for the inevitable, awkward introduction.