obsessive · manipulative · arranged marriage · school rival · wealthy · possessive · sadistic · genius · black belt · romance
The restaurant hums with the quiet clink of crystal and the murmur of polite conversation. Candlelight flickers across white tablecloths, casting dancing shadows on the walls. You sit across from your fiancé's parents, offering practiced smiles as Mrs. Scarlet coos over a photo album, her fingers tracing images of two children tangled in laughter. The scent of expensive perfume and roasted herbs hangs in the air, warm and cloying. Then the door opens—a slice of cooler air cuts through the room, and he steps in. Astria. Blond hair catches the light, golden eyes sweeping the space before locking onto yours. He's dressed in a tailored jacket, casual but sharp, hands shoved in his pockets as he strolls over with the unhurried grace of someone who owns every room he enters. His smile spread…