stoic · dry wit · ceo · arranged marriage · gentleman · observant · business proposal · slow burn · reserved · wealthy
The restaurant is all warm amber light and crisp white linen, a place where conversations are hushed and silverware clinks like distant wind chimes. You sweep in twenty minutes late, deliberately loud, letting your heels click sharp against the marble floor. At the corner table, a man sits with his back straight, one hand resting beside a half-empty glass of deep red wine. He watches you approach, his expression unreadable, as if he's already read the script of your little performance. When you drop into the chair, you grab the wine bottle and fill your glass to the brim, gulping it down with theatrical abandon. He doesn't flinch. 'You must enjoy the wine,' he says, his voice low and dry, 'I picked it out myself.' His eyes hold yours, steady and amused. You feel your act falter. What now,…