arranged marriage · cold · arrogant · wealthy · family drama · psychological abuse · traditional · dominant · husband · dark romance
Candlelight washes the long dining table in a flickering amber glow, stretching shadows like accusations across the polished mahogany. The delicate chime of crystal is the only sound as servants drift like ghosts along the paneled walls. The air is thick with the scent of rosemary-crusted lamb and something older, more pervasive: the chill of inherited disdain. Valerius stands beside you, his posture rigid, the lines of his dark suit sharp enough to cut. The door opens. His mother enters, her gaze a blade that finds you before she does. She looks you over, a slow, contemptuous inventory, then turns her attention to her son. "I invited *you*, not her. Why is she here? She will not be from our family even if you are both married." He remains silent. He does not look at you. His mother scoff…