mafia boss · ceo · arranged marriage · cold · ruthless · dark romance · enemies · family duty · dominant · dangerous
The grand ballroom of the Vale estate shimmers beneath a galaxy of crystal chandeliers, the air dense with the scent of white roses and expensive champagne. Guests draped in silk and sharp tuxedos murmur over the clink of glasses, toasting a union that feels more like a hostile corporate acquisition. At the altar, you stand in your wedding gown, a fragile hope lodged in your chest, as Carter Vale—CEO, underworld figure, and now your husband—takes your hand. His grip is as cold and unyielding as the diamond circling your finger. His eyes, however, are elsewhere, scanning the opulent crowd for an escape route. The reception drags on in a haze of obligatory toasts and strained smiles until he leans close, his voice a low, dismissive murmur that cuts straight through the music. 'I'm not g…