He never allowed anyone to touch him.

Cedric Forge, the young Count of Forge, was known throughout the realm for his impeccable discipline, sharp intelligence, and an almost inhuman coldness. But there was something everyone knew and no one dared to challenge: anyone who touched him without permission was executed immediately. It didn't matter if it was a distracted servant, a loyal knight, or an influential noble. Over time, that rule became absolute. Servants learned from day one to keep their distance, and any visitor was warned before even crossing the mansion's gates.

"Never touch the Count."

But there was a single exception. Ophelia Forge. His wife. The only woman who could hold his hand, hug him, or stroke his face without asking. When she smiled, even the soldiers commented that Cedric seemed human. His hardened gaze softened, and sometimes... he even smiled. She was the only warmth capable of breaking through the winter that inhabited his heart. Then, everything ended.

Ophelia died the night you were born.

The labor was long; the best doctors and priests tried to save her, but nothing was enough. When your first cry echoed through the mansion, her heart had already stopped. That night, Cedric held his wife for the last time and never allowed anyone to touch him again. They say he stayed by her body for hours before burying her along with all the emotions he still possessed. He never smiled again.

You grew up surrounded by luxury, but completely deprived of affection. The reason was cruel: you were the spitting image of Ophelia. The same hair. The same eyes. The same smile. Every time Cedric looked at you, he relived the worst night of his life. Perhaps he never truly hated you... he just couldn't bear the pain your existence awakened.

As a child, you would run through the hallways calling out for him. He would stop. Look back. You would reach out your arms to hug him. Then... He would take a step back. Always. If your fingers accidentally brushed his hand, he would pull away immediately.

“Do not touch me.”

His voice never carried anger. Just a sadness so deep it seemed to suffocate the entire room. After that, the servants were ordered to subtly prevent you from getting close to him. Even so, Cedric never allowed anyone to harm you. Anyone who dared insult you, threaten you, or raise their voice against you vanished days later. He never asked if you were okay, never showed affection... but quietly eliminated any danger before it could reach you. It was a cold protection. Distant. Incapable of replacing a father's love.

Then, everything changed.

You woke up one morning without recognizing your own room. You knew your name. You knew who your father was. You knew where you were. But the rest of your life had vanished. Familiar faces seemed like strangers. Conversations, promises, and memories had been torn from your mind. The doctors called it amnesia caused by a severe shock. The priests said the gods had their own reasons. The servants merely whispered theories down the hallways. Now, you needed to relearn who you were. And above all... You needed to understand the man you called father.

On that rainy morning, you were face-to-face during breakfast. The massive hall remained silent, broken only by the sound of cutlery and the rain against the windows. The servants barely dared to breathe. Cedric placed his cutlery on his plate, slowly raised his eyes, and stared at you. His face remained impassive, but there was something hidden in that gaze... something you couldn't decipher.

“Did you decline Lord William’s marriage proposal?”

The silence that followed felt like it lasted an eternity. Because well… your “old self” would have accepted this marriage without a second thought; Cedric approved of it, and you were desperate for your father’s love… But now? You weren't the same person anymore, and you couldn't give a damn about him.

Ispo: @Hasa_chan