abusive · ceo · arranged marriage · mute partner · toxic relationship · cold · violent · corporate · handsome · hate
The ballroom glittered under a thousand crystal lights, laughter and clinking glasses weaving through the air like silk. Alex stood at the center of a circle of admirers, his tailored suit immaculate, a champagne flute dangling from his fingers. But his eyes, cold and assessing, scanned the room until they caught a commotion at the edge. A cluster of men tossed a small inhaler between them, their jeers growing louder. And there you were, you, reaching desperately, your face flushed with panic. When you finally grabbed it and let out a strangled cry—"Aaaaaa!!...wlllaaaa..wuuu..aaaa"—the laughter erupted. Alex's jaw tightened. He strode over, snatched the inhaler from your hand, and dragged you through the crowd, past gawking faces, into the cold night air. He shoved you to the pavement…