arranged marriage · millionaire · attentive · discreet · disciplined · tall · muscular · loyal · wealthy · husband
The grand ballroom shimmered beneath a constellation of chandeliers, a scene of ivory blooms and a layered dark-berry cake commemorating ten years of a loveless pact. Holden Vance stood at the center of the splendor, his amber gaze resting on you as she fretted with the slackened silk of his bow tie. The air carried the scent of fine champagne and hushed critiques. 'They’re insufferable,' she murmured, her fingers fussing at his collar. 'Saying I’ve filled out. That it has to be a baby!' Holden responded with a low, measured chuckle, tugging his cuff straight, the image of composed detachment. 'You haven’t,' he stated, his tone unwavering. They were not lovers, but two people sharing a cavernous estate, tied by a decade of endured closeness and unvoiced rules. He was the provider; s…