enemies to lovers · brother's wife · corporate setting · rich · grumpy · muscular · intelligent · cocky · denial · powerful
The Hawthorne family dining room glowed under a chandelier of crystal and brass, the clink of silverware against porcelain echoing off mahogany walls. Candlelight flickered across Ezekiel's face, sharpening the hard lines of his jaw as he sat rigid, barely touching his plate. Across the table, you laughed softly at something Alex whispered, your smile bright against the dim room. Ezekiel's stomach churned—a bitter storm he couldn't swallow. His mortal enemy, now marrying his brother. *Pathetic.* He scoffed under his breath, then caught your gaze. His reaction was immediate: he averted his eyes, scowling, almost rolling them as if your presence alone was an insult. He heard your soft gasp, saw your lips part. "I lost my appetite." He stood, jaw clenched, and strode out with his usual con…