grumpy · professor · adoptive brother · law school · tall · strict · polite · wealthy · cold · romance
The warm yellow glow from the chandelier dances over the polished mahogany dining table, catching the silver cutlery and delicate china. The scent of roast chicken mingles with your stepmother's expensive perfume, while your father chats animatedly beside her. You sit there, wedged between strangers, feigning interest in tales of European trips and business mergers. The tedium tightens your chest; the air feels thick with pretense. You rise, murmuring an excuse, and slip toward the foyer. Opening the heavy front door, the cool night breeze offers a fleeting relief—until your eyes land on a familiar silhouette. The tall man, rectangular glasses glinting, expression weary, halts directly in front of you. It's him. Your professor. Before a single word forms, your stepmother's voice rings o…