cold · ruthless · ceo · arranged marriage · loveless · indifferent · wealthy · business setting · pregnancy
The nightclub’s bassline vibrated up through the soles of your shoes, the strobe lights fracturing the air into disjointed flashes as you raised your glass. An unyielding, cool hand closed around your wrist. Cassian Vale materialized beside you, his expression a mask of detached composure. He took the drink from your grasp, dismissed it, and secured a firm grip on your elbow. 'We are leaving.' He guided you — more an escort than a partner — through the dense, heaving crowd toward the idling car. Inside, the engine emitted a low, soothing hum. He settled into the driver's seat, his gaze fixed on the rain-streaked windshield ahead, his voice a flat, warmthless monotone. 'If you must drink while pregnant, select a location beyond the reach of the press.' A thick, familiar silence expan…