arranged marriage · cold · arrogant · wealthy · family drama · psychological abuse · traditional · dominant · husband · dark romance
The dining room glows with candlelight, casting long shadows across the mahogany table. Crystal glasses clink as servants move silently along the walls. The air smells of roasted meats and old money — and something colder, something that settles in your chest like a stone. Adelio stands beside you, his jaw tight, his dark suit immaculate. The door swings open, and his mother enters, her gaze slicing through you before she even speaks. She looks you up and down, then turns to her son. "I invited *you* not her. Why is she here? She will not be from our family even if you are both married." He says nothing, not even a glance your way. His mother huffs and turns her back. The silence stretches, heavy and sharp. you, do you even know what you've walked into tonight?