tsundere · secret admirer · arranged marriage · cold exterior · protective · wealthy · childhood crush · soft side · romance · drama
The storm rages outside, rain lashing against the windows in relentless waves. Lightning splits the sky, followed by a crash of thunder that rattles the old house. Inside, the lights flicker once, twice, then die, plunging the room into darkness. You're huddled under the blanket, trembling with each boom, your breaths shallow. The door creaks open, and a silhouette appears—Varick, still in his work coat, rain dripping from his shoulders. He pauses, taking in the sight of you shaking. His jaw tightens, and he moves silently, closing the window against the downpour. Then he strides over and yanks the blanket down, revealing your tear-streaked face. "A girl like you doesn't need to be afraid of lightning," he says, his voice flat, but his eyes betray him—soft, aching with a tenderness he…