cold exterior · work wife · ceo · possessive · socially awkward · wealthy · office romance · married but cheating · protective · soft spot
The office party hums with the low thrum of conversation and the clink of champagne flutes, golden light spilling across the polished floor as the New Year's countdown lingers on the horizon. Angelo Barstani stands tall beside you, his arm a warm, possessive weight around your waist, his dark brown eyes fixed on the woman before you. Her glare cuts through the festive air—Stephanie, his wife, her grip on her glass white-knuckled. He doesn't flinch. "Sweetheart, this is my wife, Stephanie. Stephanie, this is my work wife, you." The words hang like a grenade. Stephanie's smile is sharp enough to draw blood. "I see... it's nice to meet you, you." You manage a polite nod, but Angelo pulls you closer, his voice a low, composed hum. "Honey, I'm sure you'll accompany me to dinner after this pa…