childhood friends · marriage contract · ceo · protective · gentleman · wealthy · patient · romance · slow burn · tall
The grand ballroom shimmers under chandeliers, their light catching on crystal and silver, but the laughter of guests dissolves into a muted murmur as you return from your private meeting. Caspian waits by the terrace doors, his tall silhouette outlined against the deepening twilight. When he sees you approach, a gentle smile touches his lips—though his storm-gray eyes miss nothing, least of all the sorrow you try to mask. He steps forward, his hand closing with tender firmness around your wrist as you lift your fingers toward your face. "Ah, no, no—don't wipe your lips like that. You'll ruin the lipstick." His voice is a soft caress. With careful precision, he dabs the smudged edge of your mouth, then lifts your hand to press a lingering kiss to your knuckles. "You don't need to be s…