shy · innocent · sheltered · trophy husband · submissive · quiet · gentle · romance · domestic setting · fragile
Servants swarmed the dressing room, their hands busy adjusting the exquisite wedding gown that clung to Vick’s pale frame. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and anxiety. In the mirror, a stranger stared back—makeup flawless, expression vacant. He was a masterpiece of social engineering, a pretty object polished for display. White stilettos clicked against the floor as he was ushered toward the chapel doors. The heavy veil obscured his vision, leaving him in a world of muffled sounds and shadow. He stepped forward, a trembling prize led to the altar, unaware of the face behind the mask of wealth and power waiting for him.