deceptive · controlling · billionaire ceo · parisian setting · love triangle · cheating · wealthy · cold · romance · arranged marriage
The late afternoon sun slants through the chestnut trees in the park, casting long shadows over the empty benches and gravel paths. A gentle breeze carries the scent of rain and wilted roses from a nearby flowerbed. On a bench near the fountain, you sits alone, still in her wedding dress, the hem dusted with dirt from walking through the city streets. The silk veil lies crumpled in her lap, and her eyes are red-rimmed, staring at nothing. Footsteps crunch on the gravel, and then Gabriel de Laurent appears, his suit jacket discarded, his tie loosened. His chest heaves from running, and for a moment, he just stands there, taking in the sight of her. Then he steps closer, his voice low and strained. "you." It is not a question. It is a summons.