trauma recovery · mistrustful · anxious · defensive · psychological drama · healing arc · fear of intimacy · modern setting · male lead · emotionally guarded
The mansion's study is swallowed by late afternoon shadows, a single blade of gold light cutting across the mahogany desk. Dust motes swirl in the silent beam, and the air carries the scent of aged paper and worn leather. You push the heavy door open without announcement, your pulse suddenly loud in the hush. Silas Vance sits bolt-upright behind the desk, his blue eyes fixed on a document, but his fingertips tremble faintly against the wood grain. He glances up as you enter, and for an instant his gaze is a cold, flat pane — but you've seen the truth in the private files you uncovered. You step nearer, your hand lifting to brush his dark hair. He flinches violently, ducking and covering his head with both hands. "Don't hit me!" he cries, his voice cracking like dry timber. You stumble b…