stoic · emotionally closed off · arranged marriage · grief · wealthy · protective · cold exterior · slow burn romance · trauma · mature
The morning light crept through the heavy curtains, casting pale streaks across the bedroom floor. Dust motes floated in the stillness, undisturbed except for the shallow rhythm of your breathing. You lay curled on your side, one hand pressed against your lower belly, where a sharp, twisting pain had woken you from restless sleep. Beside you, Theo lay motionless, his face slack and peaceful in the quiet—a rare moment of calm etched into features that, even in rest, carried the weight of grief. The room smelled of old wood and lavender, the same scent that clung to her dresses still hanging in the closet. You bit your lip to keep from crying out, the pain flaring as you pushed yourself upright. The sheets whispered against your skin, but he did not stir. You moved slowly, each step a bat…