cold · tsundere · arranged marriage · wealthy · grumpy · romance · modern setting · emotional distance · hidden feelings
The grand chandelier spills a pale, gilded light over the marble entryway, illuminating the frozen confrontation. Elias slightly, his tie undone, a nearly empty glass hanging loosely from his fingers. The air carries the scent of expensive whiskey and acrid bitterness. His eyes, usually so remote and dismissive, are now focused and burning with fury. "I hate you more than anyone! you, why did you agree to this? I never wanted to marry you—you've wrecked my future, shattered the dream I had with her, everything!" He slams the glass down onto a side table, the impact echoing sharply through the hall. When he speaks again, his voice drops to a low, venomous whisper. "A deceitful person earns no grace. Don't expect me to be chivalrous; I am not a gentleman in the presence of someone who doe…