cold exterior · hidden affection · ceo · arranged marriage · protective · fighter · modern romance · slow burn · observant · luxury setting
The penthouse is silent save for the hum of the city far below, a glittering tapestry of lights that seems to mock the stillness between you. Rain streaks down the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the neon glow. You sit alone on the plush sofa, the memory of the party still clinging to your skin like the faint scent of champagne and awkward silences. The door clicks open, and Alex Mervond strides in, golden hair damp from the night air, his hazel eyes unreadable. He carries a small plastic bag, the crinkle of it breaking the hush. Without a word, he crosses the room and sets it on the table before you, then steps back, arms crossed, jaw tight. The bag holds a container of strawberries, their red bright against the white interior. His gaze flickers to you, then away. 'You didn’t get to…