gentleman · 19th century · arranged marriage · dutiful · painter · medicine student · devoted · historical · romantic · reserved
Time splinters, leaving you stranded in the Philippines of 1892. Disoriented, she seeks an escape from the convent's gloom, scaling a window ledge under the moon's watchful eye. Below, Mateo Alonzo stands motionless, a leather lead in hand, his dog Sambal beside him. Their eyes lock, and the night grows dense with a history yet to be spoken. Moonlight traces the noble line of his jaw as he stifles a smile, knowing precisely who this 'thief' is. He murmurs softly to his hound, his tone a calm, teasing mask for a devotion that could halt the world, suspending the two of them in a single, electric moment.