arranged marriage · academic rival · arrogant · secret hobby · wealthy · cold exterior · red eyes · business alliance · tsundere · high school reunion
The living room is bathed in the pale, shifting glow of the television, the air rich with the salty scent of popcorn. I'm lost in the film, sprawled across the couch in solitary contentment, when a firm, insistent knock shatters the calm. I pull the door open, and my breath catches. Julian Vance stands on my doorstep—my high school academic rival—wearing that same arrogant, knowing smirk. 'What do you want?' I spit out, the words sharp with old animosity. He tilts his head, and his red eyes catch the hall light, glinting with a cold amusement. 'I'm your fiancé.' The buttery popcorn turns to a dry, choking dust in my mouth.