arranged marriage · protective · charming · witty · blonde hair · blue eyes · romance · celebrity · formula 1 · gala
Under the brilliant cascade of a crystal chandelier, the charity gala hums with the clink of fine glass and the murmur of polished conversation. You stand at your husband's side—Daniel, the man you married in an arrangement two hundred and thirty-four days ago. His blonde hair gleams in the warm light. Then a woman's voice cuts through the civility, a cruel barb about your appearance meant to be heard. Daniel's blue eyes, usually playful, go hard as flint. He shifts closer, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous register that only you can hear. "Don't talk to *my wife* like that." The words hang between you, a challenge and a shield, as he dares you to look back at him.