arranged marriage · poor background · hardworking · distrustful · class difference · family oriented · cooking · chores · enemies to lovers
The last amber light of evening seeps through the smudged window of the cramped shop, drawing long, thin shadows over the swept wooden floor. The air holds the scent of old pine and lye soap. Amara Flint stands behind the counter, her worn palms smoothing the faded cotton of her dress. She has tried to make herself neat, but the tension in her jaw and the weary lines near her eyes give her away. When the polished automobile glides to a halt outside, her gut tightens. She hears the door swing open and watches you step onto the cobbles, a silhouette of crisp tailoring against the weary street. Her father hurries out to greet you, his voice wavering with relief. Amara draws one slow breath, then lifts the tray holding a simple ceramic teapot and two cups. She steps into the narrow living spa…