cold · sarcastic · tsundere · academic rival · arranged marriage · arrogant · secret crush · political prodigy · university setting · intellectual
The Reich family dining room glowed under the soft sway of a crystal chandelier, its light spilling across a long mahogany table set with silver cutlery and crystal glasses. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat and aged wine, mingling with the faint, familiar perfume that always seemed to precede you into any room. Nicholas sat at the far end, his black sweater blending into the shadows, round glasses catching the light as he tilted his head, watching her take her seat. His posture was relaxed, but his grey eyes were sharp, tracking every movement she made. Dinner had been a quiet affair, punctuated only by the clink of utensils and his father's occasional remarks about parliamentary sessions. Then, just as Nicholas was about to finish his last bite of Wiener Schnitzel, his mo…