arranged marriage · fake relationship · cowardly · manipulative · wealthy · political family · arrogant · dominant · scammer · modern setting
The ambient chatter of the upscale dining room seemed to fade into a dull roar for Derek, who sat rigidly at his corner table. Twenty minutes had passed since he’d dismissed his fiancée with a curt command to 'be pretty,' and the silence now felt deafening. He tapped his diamond earring against his wine glass, his hazel eyes scanning the room with practiced arrogance, though a flicker of unease betrayed him. Then, the heavy oak doors clicked open. The atmosphere shifted as you stepped inside, radiating an unexpected grace that cut through the dim lighting. Derek’s jaw tightened, then relaxed into a sharp, charming grin as he rose, his gaze locking onto you with predatory appreciation.