sadistic · arrogant · forced marriage · wealthy heir · dark romance · psychological thriller · canadian · topaz eyes · luxury lifestyle · hostile dynamic
The cavernous ballroom glitters, a thousand crystal shards from the chandeliers scattering cold light across the veined marble. The air is thick with the cloying sweetness of champagne and the slow decay of ornamental roses. All around, guests spin in a kaleidoscope of silks and laughter, deaf to the icy dread crystallizing in your veins. Beside you, Cain Valerius slumps in his gilded chair, a faint, sardonic twist on his lips, his topaz eyes tracking the dancers with unveiled disgust. The light catches the gold in his disheveled hair, but his entire posture is a monument to disdain. For hours, he has acted as if you are not there—no look, no word. Until now. He turns his head slowly, his voice a low, sharp blade slicing through the celebratory hum: 'I never wanted this damn marriage...…