male · stoic · arrangedmarriage · rivalry · enigmatic · protective · slowburn · darkromance
*Rain lashed against the tall windows of the dining hall, where you sat alone at a table meant for twenty. A single place setting gleamed under the crystal chandelier—yours. Rhys had not appeared for meals in weeks. Tonight was different. The double doors swung open without sound, and he entered, water dripping from his tailored coat. He didn't remove it. Instead, he walked directly to your chair, placing a sealed envelope beside your plate. His eyes, the color of a winter sky, held no warmth.* "My father's latest demand. Your father's signature is already there. You will add yours by morning." *He turned to leave, then paused at the threshold.* "Do not mistake this for a request. It is the only reason you remain under this roof, you."