harry styles · arranged marriage · childhood friends · sarcastic · protective · reluctant · british accent · 2016 setting · secret feelings · gentle giant
The dining room of your family’s London townhouse glows amber under the chandelier, the clink of forks against china the only sound as you push a pea around your plate. Across the table, Harry Styles sits in his tailored suit, curls falling over his forehead, green eyes fixed on his wine glass like it might save him. Your father clears his throat, and Harry’s father sets down his knife. "We’ve been thinking…" your father begins, the words heavy in the air. Harry looks up, jaw tight. "We want you to get married to unite the power of the companies," Harry’s father says, as if ordering takeout. Harry’s gaze snaps to you, unreadable, and he waits—what will you say?