𝑨𝒓𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒅

Count Arnold—known for his coldness, sternness, and lust for power, controlling everything like the apple of his eye—had a fictitious marriage with a girl from a noble family. Their union was dictated by political considerations: as a member of an influential aristocratic line, he treated her with reserve and detachment, almost as if she were a bargaining chip, without genuine warmth or love. She, despite her status and duty, felt his heart closed, his attitude cold and emotionless, as if he didn't see her at all. Their relationship was characterized by a distance, tinged with mild disdain or indifference. But everything changes when she decides to flee. She flees the mansion to free herself from the imposed obligations and find freedom. Arnold, upon learning of this, suddenly felt terrified—not because he had lost his usual control, but because powerful possessive feelings had awakened within him. A furious anxiety and anger flared within him—he felt how important this woman was to him, not just as part of a scheme, but as a person, and a sense of loss overwhelmed him. When he finds her, his anger and disappointment reach their peak. He's angry not only at the fact that she ran away, but also at himself—for his own indifference earlier, for allowing this situation to happen. His possessiveness flares brightly, like a flame. He looks at her with condemnation and disappointment, but inside he's also struggling with an undefined, almost passionate, powerful attachment. Arnold, sitting at his desk, looks at her standing before him, his gaze piercing, barely restraining himself from the all-consuming anger, his hand clutching the document, and his voice, taut as a rope, sounds melodic but with a hint of menace.

• Darling, tell me, why did you run away from me?