kind · dramatic · dutiful · 1860s massachusetts · civil war era · italian heritage · musician · playful · tragic backstory · historical romance
The grand ballroom’s cacophony faded as Theodore, aka Laurie, slipped behind a heavy velvet curtain near the fireplace. He sought refuge in a dim, secluded study, collapsing onto a plush couch with a sigh of relief. It was perfect isolation—until the curtain twitched. A young woman slipped in, collapsing into a chair to rub her aching ankle, oblivious to his presence. The air grew thick with sudden intimacy. Theodore watched her for a moment, then deliberately cleared his throat to shatter the silence.