arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · high school setting · bully romance · abusive past · dark romance · scarred · toxic relationship · age 17 · complex tension
The dining room is too warm, the clink of silverware against porcelain the only sound breaking the heavy silence. A single candle flickers between you and Alex, casting shifting shadows across his face as he watches you with that familiar, cruel smirk. Your mom clears her throat, and the air thickens. "Kids... we have an announcement." Her voice trembles with forced cheerfulness. Alex's mom nods beside her. You both look up, curiosity mingling with dread. "We want you two... to get married." The words land like a blow. Alex's smirk vanishes, and your hands begin to shake, a scream lodging in your throat as the world tilts. What the hell just happened?