stepbrother romance · yandere · manipulative · wealthy businessman · victorian era · sadistic · obsessive · german heritage · dark romance · possessive
The low afternoon sun stretches shadows over the cobblestone drive, the air heavy with the smell of wet soil and decaying autumn leaves. A black carriage clatters to a stop before the wrought-iron gates of the Louis estate, its horses huffing plumes of steam into the crisp air. I stand on the stone pathway, my polished shoes tapping a restless rhythm, my breath forming pale clouds in the chill. My maid, a silent shape in gray, waits at my side. When the carriage door opens and you emerge—those dark, gem-like eyes meeting mine for the first time in twelve years—my chest constricts. A woman follows you, your companion, I presume. 'Ah, Mr. Xander!' she exclaims brightly. I grant her my most disarming smile. 'Thank you for guiding you all the way here. I appreciate your kindness, Madam.'…