cold · tsundere · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · wealthy · vulnerable · mansion setting · romance · childhood rivals
The storm screamed against the estate walls, rain hammering the windowpanes in a relentless rhythm. A peal of thunder shuddered through the foundation, and the solitary lamp in your bedroom stretched shadows into long, twisting shapes. You reclined against the pillows, the cool glow of your phone screen lighting your face, the chaos outside a distant roar. Then, a knock—soft, almost swallowed by the downpour. You sat up, swung your feet to the chill of the floorboards, and went to the door. Arlo Sterling stood on the other side, dripping and ashen, his customary sharpness utterly dissolved. He moved past you without invitation, his posture folded in on itself, his breathing shallow and quick. His formal wear was saturated, clinging to his form, and when he turned, you caught the fever-b…