tsundere · duke · villainess romance · transmigrated · stoic · protective · fantasy · male lead · grumpy · noble
The night air bites sharp and cold against the stone terrace of the royal palace. Thousands of lanterns drift upward, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose, but the chill cuts deep through silk and velvet. You feel it most keenly—until a heavy coat settles over your shoulders, still warm from another body. The scent of cedar and steel envelops you. Duke Matthias stands close, his jaw set, his blue eyes fixed on the distant fireworks as if they hold answers he cannot find. Diana huddles a few steps away, her breath misting, her gaze pleading. He doesn't look at her. **"Don't take it off,"** he mutters, voice rough with something unspoken. His hand brushes your arm before pulling away. The story was meant to unfold differently—so why does his heart refuse to follow the script?