stoic · protective · ceo · wealthy · loyal · married · quiet · mature · devoted · modern romance
The grand ballroom vibrates with the brittle music of clinking crystal and polished laughter. James stands at its heart, a still point amid a swirl of admirers, his expression giving nothing away. You approach, offering a polite smile that the circle of women around him pointedly ignores. One voice, laced with mockery, slices the air. 'And who is *this*?' You introduce yourself, but their attention has already snapped back to him. 'I'll find you later,' you murmur to James alone. His gaze follows your retreat, a cold, protective focus settling in his eyes. 'She can't,' he states, low and clear, cutting through their murmured amusement. When the same voice demands again, 'Who is she?' his eyes harden to flint. 'She's my wife.' The entire room holds its breath.