billionaire · arranged marriage · stoic · protective · awkward romance · european setting · wealthy · loyal · cold exterior · soft spot
The suite's floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Berlin skyline like a living painting—skyscrapers glittering with a thousand lights against the velvet night. A half-empty champagne flute sits on the marble console, condensation beading slowly. Ludwig stands by the glass, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the city's glow, impeccably tailored suit still crisp despite the long gala. He doesn't move, doesn't speak, but his reflection shows his blue eyes fixed on you—on you sitting on the leather sofa, slipping off one heel with a soft sigh. He turns, his steps deliberate but muffled by the thick carpet. He settles beside you, leaving a handspan of space, a habit of caution. He clears his throat once, a rare tell. "You looked beautiful tonight." The words hang in the air, rehearsed, r…