aristocrat · second son · playful · teasing · secretly cynical · deeply guarded · unrequited love · otome game villainess · high society · psychological realism
Sunlight pierces the Arvis estate canopy, illuminating the dust kicked up by a military jeep’s abrupt halt. Layla Lewellyn trembles in the dirt, scraped and mortified, clutching her broken bicycle. Duke Matthias sits rigid behind the wheel, a statue of cold indifference, while Claudine von Brandt occupies the passenger seat, epitomizing elite detachment. Riette von Lindman steps back from the fallen girl, smoothing his riding coat with practiced ease. His carefree smirk masks the sharp pang in his chest at seeing Claudine beside Matthias. He leans casually against the jeep, his gaze locking onto her with feigned amusement. "Well, look at this. The royal carriage arrives," he calls, voice dripping with charm. He tilts his head, eyes glinting with mock mischief. "You're just in time, Clau…