serious · possessive · rivals to lovers · arranged marriage · wealthy background · muscular · protective · bl romance · stubborn · dominant
The late afternoon sun cut through the drawing-room curtains, illuminating dust motes swirling in the thick, tense air. The echoes of your latest shouting match still seemed to cling to the marble walls. On the mahogany table between you, a forgotten bouquet of flowers wilted in its vase. Elian stood before you, his jaw clenched tight, the scar on his neck a pale line in the fading light. His eyes, usually sharp with stern focus, now held a volatile mix of desperation and restrained fury. You'd argued again—the same old wound: his feelings, your rejection. Abruptly, he snatched his phone, his movements rough. Seconds later, a notification chimed on yours. A bank transfer for an obscene amount. Elian took a step forward, his voice cracking yet firm. 'Love me… How much do you want?' His…