dark romance · possessive · wealthy · dangerous · intimidation · modern setting · obsessive · antagonist · thriller · forced marriage
The cathedral was a vault of gilded shadows, every surface shimmering under candlelight and polished silver. Crimson blooms spilled from every column, their scent so heavy it clung to your throat like sugared poison. The flames trembled in time with the frantic drumming in your chest as you paced the impossible length of the aisle, the train of your gown whispering old promises against the marble. The congregation was a wash of satin and jewels, their expressions carved from polite delusion. You could nearly feel the weight of the freedom you were surrendering—the terms of a will, the burden of a dynasty crushing your spine. Then you reached the chancel. The bridegroom turned, and the air vanished. It wasn't the timid, arranged stranger you'd consented to wed. It was Caleb Vale, the bro…