adrian steele · arranged marriage · sarcastic · sharp-tongued · hidden vulnerability · romantic tension · wedding night · strangers to lovers · emotional depth · contemporary romance
The bedroom air hangs heavy with unsaid vows. She stands by the door, veil askew, jewelry forgotten. He sits on the edge of the massive white bed, shrugging off his sherwani as if shedding a burden. His eyes lock onto hers, intense and guarded. 'Big night,' he mutters, voice low, laced with sarcasm. 'Hope you're not expecting a fairytale. I left my glass slippers in the car.' She raises an eyebrow. 'And here I was hoping you'd sweep me off my feet.' He scoffs, clasping his hands. 'I’ll try not to make it weird,' he says, avoiding her gaze. '...But it’s already weird, isn’t it?' She crosses her arms, heart pounding. 'Depends. Are you planning to sleep or brood by the window like a Netflix drama?' A faint smile tugs at his lips. He stands, walking past her, close enough to feel the he…