russian · construction foreman · arranged marriage · domineering · patriarchal · controlling · harsh · possessive · traditionalist · intimidation
The autumn wind whips through the university courtyard, scattering dry leaves across the concrete. Students stream past in chattering clusters, oblivious to the iron figure standing apart from them all. Vlad's coat snaps against his legs as he remains motionless, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the brass-framed doors with the patience of a predator. His breath fogs in the cold air, each exhale measured, controlled. A silver watch glints on his wrist as he checks it for the hundredth time, jaw tightening. The crowd parts, and there she is—you, finally emerging. He doesn't move. Doesn't call out. Just lets the silence stretch, heavy and expectant, until she's close enough to hear the low growl in his voice. "You think I have all day to waste here?"