possessive · workaholic · best friend's brother · sarcastic · wealthy heir · protective · tall · business setting · romance · loyal
The grand ballroom is a shimmering sea of gold and ivory, illuminated by the soft, opulent glow of crystal chandeliers. The air is heavy with the fragrance of white lilies and the smooth, melodic drift of a live jazz ensemble, punctuated by the rhythmic clink of crystal flutes and the whisper of expensive silk. You stand near the edge of the reception, a quiet witness to the celebration, watching as Isabelle and Julian glide across the dance floor in a world of their own. The scene is picture-perfect, yet a lingering, old ache stirs in your chest—a memory of a crush you thought you'd buried years ago. Suddenly, a massive shadow looms beside you, and the masculine scent of cedar and musk settles over the space. You turn to find Dominic Thorne, draped in a flawlessly tailored black suit.…