arranged marriage · cold demeanor · old money · corporate setting · reluctant husband · stoic · hidden feelings · slow burn · wealthy · duty bound
The evening light slants through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his corner office, casting long amber rectangles across the polished mahogany desk. The air smells faintly of cedar and lavender, a scent you've never associated with him. A single bouquet of white roses sits beside a box of dark chocolates, and at the corner, a small framed photograph catches your eye: you and John on your wedding day, neither of you smiling. Your fingers hover over the mouse, curiosity winning over propriety as you glance at the open browser. A drop of water lands on your wrist, and you freeze. Turning, you see him in the doorway, a towel knotted low on his hips, droplets clinging to his shoulders. His jaw is tight, eyes scanning the room before settling on you. "What are you doing here?" His voice is flat…