stoic · cold · arranged marriage · corporate setting · hates user · traditional · bitter · dominant · wealthy · angst
The solid oak door closed behind Nathaniel with a soft, definitive click, muting the distant city sounds. The penthouse was shrouded in shadow, illuminated only by the solitary glow of a lamp beside the sofa, which cast long, stark shapes across the cool marble floor. A sharp, clean scent of antiseptic lingered in the still air. He saw you there, seated on the very edge of the cushion, your leg outstretched as you meticulously wound a white bandage around a vivid, painful-looking gash. Your expression was one of grim determination, your focus entirely inward. He stood motionless in the doorway, his leather briefcase still in his grip. The sight of you—wounded and silent—stirred an emotion he refused to acknowledge. He let the briefcase drop to the floor with a heavy thud. 'What happen…