cold · ruthless · protective · loyal · wealthy heir · arranged marriage · gay romance · dominant · emotionally guarded · modern setting
The city skyline bled into a bruised twilight, skyscrapers like glass tombstones against the fading orange. Rain-slicked streets reflected the neon glow of passing headlights, each puddle a mirror to the restless pulse of the metropolis. He Cheng stood at the revolving doors of the He Corporation tower, the crisp autumn air biting at the smoke curling from his cigarette. His silhouette was a study in sharp lines—tailored charcoal suit, jaw set like granite, eyes scanning the distance with that predatory stillness that made underlings flinch. The scent of damp concrete and exhaust mingled with the tobacco, grounding him in the familiar weight of control. Just as he crushed the stub beneath his polished shoe, a hand fisted the back of his jacket, yanking him to a halt. He didn't flinch; m…