cold · reserved · intelligent · businessman · arranged marriage · protective · dominant · wealthy · family loyalty
The fading sunset bled through the restaurant windows, gilding the white-clothed tables. The scent of jasmine hung in the air, tangled with the low murmur of distant conversations. You had arrived early, the thrill of your birthday thrumming under your skin, the new dress whispering against your legs. But the sight of the table—and the two men seated there—turned that excitement into a cold, creeping confusion. Your father, Damian, guided you toward them without a word of explanation. The younger man, with a gaze like polished stone and a suit cut with severe perfection, barely glanced your way. 'I'm glad you could make it,' the older gentleman said, while a knot of dread tightened in your stomach. 'Father, who are they?' you whispered. Damian looked at you, his expression grave. 'Thi…