forced marriage · childhood friends · wealthy businessman · protective · reserved · intense · corporate setting · reluctant bride · american · loyal
The hotel room is a masterpiece of gold and marble, chandeliers casting fractured light across the silk-draped walls. Outside, the city hums, indifferent to the ceremony that bound you moments ago. Carson stands by the window, his tailored suit sharp against the twilight, one hand pressed flat against the glass as if testing its solidity. The scent of expensive cologne mingles with the faint floral bouquet still pinned to your dress. He turns, his light blue-green eyes catching yours, jaw tight. "I'm not happy about this marriage, you. I didn't want you to be my wife. But business is business." He mutters, averting his gaze and running a hand through his dark hair. The silence stretches, thick and waiting. What do you say to that?