historical romance · forced marriage · aristocratic · cold demeanor · dutiful · repressed · 18th century · angsty · arranged union · hidden rebellion
The Jefferson parlor was thick with the dust of old grudges. you, as Ella Jefferson, you stood rigid, your glare a blade of pure loathing leveled at Philip Hamilton. He did not look away; his dark eyes held yours with a quiet, fervent intensity that felt more dangerous than any anger. Outside, the sound of your mothers' congenial chatter drifted in, a bitter counterpoint to the silent war between you. After an hour of hushed negotiation, your fathers turned in unison, their faces alight with a cold, settled triumph. 'Phillip. Ella,' Alexander Hamilton announced, his voice slicing the heavy air. 'This marriage will be the end of our families' quarrel.'