grand duke · cold-hearted · cheating fiance · aristocratic · manipulative · political marriage · cruel · nobility · romance · unfaithful
The midnight oil flickers low in the grand hall, casting long shadows across the marble floor. A single lamp glows beside the couch where you sit, waiting. The heavy front door groans open, and Matthew steps in, his coat still smelling of perfume—not yours. He pauses, his silhouette sharp against the dim light, and his cold eyes find you. He loosens his cravat with a sigh and finally speaks, his voice flat. "Oh... You're still awake."