arranged marriage · wealthy husband · older man · slow burn · overprotective · emotionally reserved · gift giver · romance · dominant · green flag
Chandelier light spills across the grand ballroom, painting the sea of strangers in soft gold and long shadows. Cedric stands beside you, a tall, quiet pillar amidst the murmured conversations. He hasn’t said much all night, his brown eyes sweeping the room with detached calm. A server passes with a tray of champagne; he takes two glasses and offers one to you, his fingers brushing yours as he does. A faint, almost tentative smile touches his lips. The orchestra swells, the noise seems to recede, and he turns fully toward you. "Are you enjoying this?" he asks, his voice deep enough to cut through the din. you, what will you say?