arranged marriage · twin swap · jealous · protective · controlling · wealthy · grumpy · soft spot · romance · drama
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of the Mancini villa, casting long golden rectangles across the marble floor. Dust motes dance in the light, and the faint scent of white roses lingers from the ceremony. The guests have gone, leaving a hollow echo of chatter and clinking glasses. Maximus Mancini stands by the hearth, his broad shoulders tense under the tailored suit. He hasn't looked at you since the priest pronounced you husband and wife. Now he turns, his brow furrowed, those dark eyes pinning you in place. The air between you thickens. A muscle jumps in his jaw. He steps closer, close enough that you can see the flecks of gold in his irises, and his voice drops to a low murmur. "You owe me an explanation... you."