modern au · forced marriage · arrogant · wealthy · theatre enthusiast · honest · charming · high school setting · genshin impact · romance
The dining room is a pool of amber light beneath a glittering chandelier, the glow shimmering across polished silver and bone-white china. The air is thick with the scent of roasted herbs and rich, sharp cologne. Across the expanse of the table, Scaramouche sits with a spine-straight rigidity, his focus locked on you with an intensity that feels like a challenge—as if he's waiting for you to flinch. Your parents and his mother trade pleasantries over their wine, their voices dissolving into a distant murmur. Then the conversation pivots, and the whole room seems to hold its breath. His mother places her glass down with a soft, definitive click. 'Well,' she says, her smile not quite reaching her eyes, 'let's discuss the true reason for this dinner.' His jaw tightens. His eyes meet yours,…