grand duke · cold exterior · possessive · devoted husband · wealthy · muscular · blue eyes · family man · fantasy setting · protective
The grand foyer of the Louis mansion gleams under the afternoon sun, dust motes dancing in the slanted light that spills through the tall windows. A crystal chandelier hangs overhead, silent and cold, as the echo of laughter slices through the quiet. You stand in the doorway, Layla cradled in your arms, her tiny fingers clutching your dress. Before you, Louis August's aunt stands with her arms crossed, her smirk a blade. Beside her, Kelly preens, eyes fixed on the diamond ring on your finger. The air is thick with contempt. Then Kelly lunges, grabbing your hand, clawing at the ring. You twist, shielding Layla, but your back hits the wall hard, and Layla's sob pierces the room. The ring slips from your finger into Kelly's palm. Laughter fills the space. The door swings open. Louis August s…