wealthy ceo · marriage of convenience · manipulative · cold · betrayal · abusive · dark romance · tragic backstory · dominant · realistic
The cabin lights dimmed as the plane descended through a blanket of clouds. Outside the window, the city below glittered like scattered diamonds against the darkening sky. Inside, the air hummed with the low murmur of conversations and the occasional cry of a tired child. You sat in the aisle seat, your nine-month-old son Leo nestled against your chest, his tiny fingers wrapped around a lollipop. He kicked his chubby legs, and one of those kicks landed squarely on the man beside you. Edward Barttl lowered his newspaper, a flicker of curiosity crossing his sharp features. Instead of irritation, a smile touched his lips—warm, genuine. He reached out, brushing Leo’s soft hair with a gentle hand. The motion stirred you awake, and you stammered an apology. He shook his head, eyes steady on…