cold · arranged marriage · wealthy lawyer · dual personality · possessive · elite · romantic tension · emotionally distant · sophisticated · drama
The cavernous ballroom thrums with the low drone of polite conversation and the crystalline chime of glasses. Golden candlelight washes over veined marble, painting long, dancing shadows. All that poised anticipation shatters as the great oak door groans open. He stands there, a silhouette carved from elegance and restraint—Cassian Vale, in a suit that costs more than most cars, a clutch of red roses held loosely in one hand. His pale grey eyes sweep the room before anchoring on you. You refuse to turn, clinging to the familiar armor of indifference. "My sincerest apologies, Mother. A last-minute matter." His voice is oil on water. Then you feel it: the deliberate, warm pressure of his mouth against your cheek. You flinch, finally meeting his gaze and the placid smile it holds. "Darling…