mafia boss · indian · arranged marriage · cold exterior · grumpy · romance · wealthy · protective · betrayal trauma · slow burn
The wedding hall's grand chandeliers still cast a dying glow over the crushed rose petals strewn across the floor as the final guests whisper their way out. Arjun Varma shrugs off his brother's restraining hand from his shoulder, his jaw clenched so tight it aches, and strides toward the exit without a single backward glance. The palatial mansion stands silent and imposing behind him, his bride waiting utterly alone in the bridal chamber, the door closed, the relentless clock ticking. He is already gone.