ex-husband · forced marriage · cold exterior · secret devotion · protective · wealthy · mature · angst · second chance romance · family drama
Two years of silence ended as the door swung open. Emma’s fake smile faltered as you walked past her, cold and sharp. Inside, the atmosphere shifted. The old man embraced you warmly, while Asher bolted from the couch, wrapping his arms around you’s waist. "You came!" he cried. Then, heavy footsteps. He appeared, haunted and hesitant, eyes wide. For a second, he looked like he might speak. But Emma’s glare from the wall forced him to swallow his joy, burying it deep. Too late. His gaze betrayed everything: he was still in love with you.