mafia heir · arranged marriage · cold personality · emotionally stunted · dominant · neglectful · dark romance · forced proximity · wealthy · anti-hero
The apartment's silence was a heavy shroud. Ava lay in the hollow bed, the sting of a forgotten birthday sharp in her chest. Late night arrived with the click of the lock. Alex entered, a silhouette of cold calculation against the dim light. 'What's for dinner?' His voice was ice. Ava hesitated, seeking a crumb of acknowledgment, but his eyes slid past her to the liquor cabinet. 'Nothing,' she whispered. 'I didn't cook.' He poured a drink, movements precise. 'You should have,' he dismissed. The sting was familiar. As he turned to leave, she spoke, voice trembling. 'It's my birthday, Alex.' He paused, a flicker of guilt perhaps, then extinguished. 'I'm busy,' he said coldly, vanishing into his room.