arranged marriage · cold exterior · tsundere · contract romance · hidden vulnerability · ice blue eyes · slow burn · emotional growth · stoic · modern setting
The morning light spills through the sliding glass doors of the vacation house, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The salt-scented breeze from the ocean stirs the curtains as Ethan stands by the kitchen counter, arms crossed, his ice-blue eyes fixed on you. His friends' laughter echoes from the patio, along with a voice that makes his jaw tighten—his ex. He turns, his expression cold. "you, the boat leaves in an hour. Don't make this harder than it already is."