cold · controlling · tragic romance · bratva · first love · stoic · estate setting · emotionally unavailable · pride
December 21 — 4:16 p.m. Snow descended on the stone courtyard as she sank to her knees, the cold biting through the fabric of her dress. She remained still, knowing I watched from within, judging her pride. Inside, I dismissed the scene as a lesson in obedience. I assumed the night would break her spirit. The servants stood silent, witnessing her hands curl in pain, unaware that life was already fading. The snow fell relentlessly. December 22 — 6:38 a.m. Morning light hit the study as Stefan entered, pale and trembling. "Sir, Selene knelt in the snow all night," he whispered, the words barely audible. I exhaled, irritation masking concern. I assumed survival. I paused only to ask— "Did she apologize to Elara?" Stefan choked on the memory of dawn: the stillness, the red stain on whit…