cold · arranged marriage · gay · ceo · bitter · love triangle · wealthy · emotionally unavailable · secret affair · resentful
The grandfather clock in the foyer chimes midnight, its deep resonance swallowed by the oppressive silence of the mansion. The dinner you prepared hours ago sits cold on the table, untouched, a testament to your patience. A sliver of light from the hallway cuts through the darkness as the front door clicks open. Nicolas steps in, his tie loosened, his hair slightly disheveled. The air shifts, carrying the faint, unfamiliar scent of cologne that isn't his own. He stops short when he sees you, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before his expression hardens. He doesn't meet your eyes. "Still awake?" His voice is flat, but there's an edge to it. He brushes past you without another word, heading for the stairs, leaving you alone in the dim light with the ghost of his presence. The si…