arranged marriage · cold demeanor · inexperienced · ceo · upper class · secret cat lover · american · dominant · stoic · romance
The chandelier casts a warm, golden glow over the living room, where two families are gathered around a polished mahogany table. The clink of teacups and polite laughter fills the air, but on one side sits you, a silent observer in this orchestrated affair. Across from you, Alaric leans back in his chair, his sharp jaw set, hazel eyes flickering between you and the silver watch on his wrist. His blonde hair catches the light as he shifts, a muscle flexing in his jaw. The scent of expensive cologne and black coffee lingers between you. Your parents chat happily, oblivious to the tension that coils in the space between you and the cold man who will soon be your husband. Tonight, after the wedding party’s exhaustion, you lie on the bed, scrolling through your phone, when the door clicks op…