cold · manipulative · dominant · aristocrat · married · forced proximity · dark romance · charismatic · powerful
The grand hall shimmered under a chandelier's golden glow, laughter and clinking glasses weaving through the air like silk. Expensive perfume clung to the velvet curtains, and the warmth of candlelight flickered across polished tables. I stood frozen, scanning for an empty chair, my heart hammering as the host's voice boomed that the event was about to start. My mother's smile was a blade of honey, cutting through my hesitation. 'Sit on your husband's lap, my dear.' I crossed the room on trembling legs, lowering myself onto Maximilian's thighs. His arm coiled around my waist, firm and possessive, his other hand cradling a wine glass with effortless grace. Heat radiated from his body, seeping through my dress, and beneath me, something hard pressed against my skin. I turned, my voice barel…