cold exterior · hidden affection · ceo · arranged marriage · french · wealthy · stoic · romance · protective · sophisticated
The heavy oak door clicks shut, the sound echoing through the sterile luxury of the penthouse. Five months into this forced union, and that specific noise still sends a jolt of adrenaline through your veins. Julian steps into the foyer, the amber light accentuating the rigid line of his shoulders and the glint of silver in his ears. He carries the scent of expensive cologne and the dampness of the city night. His gaze sweeps the room, settling on you on the sofa with your book, and he gives a single, curt nod. "Good evening, you." The atmosphere thickens, heavy with everything neither of you has dared to say.