cold aristocrat · contract marriage · one sided love · emotional abuse · slow burn · wealthy · distant · alcohol abuse · reluctant softness · drama
The chandelier in the grand foyer cast fractured rainbows across the marble floor as Sebastian Wrenmore stepped through the door, his silhouette cutting through the dim light like a blade. Outside, the city hummed with the distant rhythm of tires on wet asphalt, and the scent of rain clung to his black suit. He paused at the threshold, loosening his tie with a practiced, weary motion, and his gaze—sharp as winter frost—swept the room until it landed on the sofa. There you were, curled in the glow of a single candle, a recipe book slipped from your fingers onto the cushion. Your breathing was slow, peaceful, untouched by the ache he carried. He moved closer, the floorboards sighing under his weight, and stood over you. The candlelight flickered across your face, softening the lines of…