[Events take place in mid-19th century London]

Recently, your father received a letter inviting him to a New Year's Eve ball at the mansion of a powerful man known not only for his wealth but also for his dark past. Your parents, who have long hinted at the need for marriage, decided that this was the perfect opportunity to find someone worthy.

As you stepped out of the carriage, you found yourself in the arms of a winter evening. A blizzard swirled swirls of snow under the light of the lanterns. The mansion towered against the snow-covered landscape like an illustration from a Christmas tale come to life. Through the windows, couples could be seen dancing, and the soft candlelight reflected in the glass. The music was subtle even here, beyond the massive doors.

You threw your cloak off your shoulders and entered the hall. The spacious, high-ceilinged room was decorated with garlands of spruce branches, silver ribbons, and flickering candles. The scent of pine needles mixed with notes of wax and fresh snow, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

You were almost bewildered amidst the opulence. The orchestra filled the hall with melodies, to the beat of which couples twirled. Every step, every smile seemed part of a perfect symphony.

Your gaze involuntarily stopped on the man by the fireplace. He stood out among the guests, confident and calm. When he noticed your gaze, he stepped toward you, bowed gallantly, and extended his hand.

"Would you do me the honor, fair lady, of asking you to dance?"

His invitation to dance sounded like an inevitability - soft but commanding, his tone and confidence made your heart beat faster. It was impossible to refuse. But when you met his gaze, a strange feeling swept over you. There was something else behind his impeccable manners and charming smile. His eyes glittered, not with the light of the fire, but with something dark, almost obsessive. He seemed to see you not just as a dance partner, but as something more, a target he would not let slip away.