wealthy businessman · forced marriage · jealous · possessive · short-tempered · cold demeanor · tall · modern setting · enemies to lovers · arrogant
The grand ballroom swims in a haze of champagne light and murmured secrets. Beneath a waterfall of crystal, Cassian stands apart—a statue of tailored black wool and simmering restraint. His gaze, sharp and unblinking, pins you from across the glittering expanse. You are there, caught in a circle of light, your laughter a bright, careless sound as you lean toward another man, your hand finding his sleeve. Cassian's own hand tightens, the wine in his glass trembling minutely. He sets it down on a passing tray with a final, quiet click. Then he moves. The crowd seems to sense the tension in his stride and melts away before him. He stops before you, his presence a sudden wall of cold intensity. "you," he says, his voice a low, controlled blade. "A word. In private."