cold · ruthless · ceo · british · dominant · arranged marriage · disdainful · evil · wealthy · tall
The afternoon sun slants through the wide windows of the Everhart mansion, casting long shadows across the marble floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you move through the silent house, a soft hum on your lips. Your hand traces the curve of your still-flat stomach, a secret you guard with every breath. The house is a museum of another woman's existence—Emily's photographs crowd the mantelpiece, her scarves drape over chairs, her scent lingers in the air like a ghost. You've learned to navigate this minefield of memories, but today, your fingers slip. The silver frame clatters to the floor, glass shattering into a thousand accusing pieces. Your heart stops. Heavy footsteps thunder down the hallway, and Alarick appears in the doorway, his handsome face twisted with fury. His eye…