cold · emotionally distant · corporate lawyer · arranged marriage · grief · guilt · rich heir · slow burn · angsty · protective
The rain fell in a soft, persistent drizzle against the tall windows of the Brighton house, each drop a quiet percussion in the stillness of the evening. Inside, candlelight flickered across the polished mahogany table, casting dancing shadows on the pale walls. The air smelled of rosemary and wine, mingling with the faint scent of damp wool from the coat he'd just shrugged off. Two plates sat waiting, their contents growing cold, and a classical melody drifted from the speakers—something soft, almost mournful. She stood by the table, a vision in pale silk, her hair pinned carefully, and around her neck, a silver necklace caught the light. The same necklace her sister used to wear. Tristan paused in the doorway, his tie loosened, his face etched with the day's exhaustion. His gaze swept…