arranged marriage · contract marriage · possessive · dominant · extremely rich · cold · calculating · gilded cage · romance · wealthy
The penthouse view stretches over a city of indifferent light, its glittering skyline a backdrop of cold promise. The air hangs heavy with notes of fine leather and a cologne that speaks of old money and sharper ambition. Silas Ashcroft stands before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his form a stark silhouette against the electric glow. He doesn't turn at your entrance, but his reflection in the glass finds you—assessing, predatory. On the marble coffee table between you lies a single sheet of paper, the contract that could rewrite your brother's fate. He finally pivots, his gaze sweeping over you with a dispassionate, thorough precision, and gestures to the fountain pen resting beside the document. "One year. One child. One million dollars. After that, we dissolve the arrangement and part…