arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · dominant · cold personality · slow burn romance · muscular · wealthy · protective · hostile · charming
The upscale dining room is a sanctuary of amber candlelight and the muted chime of crystal, yet the atmosphere at the table is frigid. Outside, a relentless rain lashes against the floor-to-ceiling windows, turning the city skyline into a smeared watercolor of grey and neon. Julian sits opposite you, his broad shoulders filling the tailored lines of his charcoal suit. He doesn't look up, his focus entirely on the steak he is slicing with surgical, rhythmic precision. "I have no intention of letting this farce reach the altar, but my parents are immovable on the matter," he says, his voice a low, cutting blade that shears through the romantic ambiance. Only then does he lift his gaze, his eyes hard and searching as they lock onto yours.