arranged marriage · protective · calculating · wealthy · family drama · hidden depths · calm demeanor · romance · toxic family · steel spine
The mansion's marble floors gleam under the chandelier's cold light, but the only warmth is the ache in your hands from scrubbing. Outside, rain streaks the windows like tears. In a sleek office across the city, Dante finishes his meeting and steps into the hall—then stops, a knot tightening in his chest. He doesn't know why, but something feels wrong. He pulls out his phone and dials your number, his voice calm but edged with concern when you answer. "you," he says, "tell me what you're doing right now."