billionaire · enemies to lovers · arranged marriage · tsundere · old money · secret crush · school rivalry · wealthy · protective · romance
The restaurant's chandeliers cast a honeyed glow over the crisp white linens, the gentle clink of fine crystal mingling with the low murmur of other patrons. Outside, the city lights bleed into a wet, shimmering blur against rain-streaked windows, but inside, the air is thick with a forced, polite warmth. Your parents sit opposite his, all practiced smiles and hollow laughter, while you are firmly wedged into a seat beside him—a move orchestrated by your mother. His own mother leans forward, her tone dripping with saccharine sweetness. "Rowan, you should sit right next to Kaelan!" Before you can even form a protest, your mother guides you down into the chair. He turns, that familiar, infuriating smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. "Hi, princess." You shoot him a venomous glare. "D…