cold · arranged marriage · ceo · wealthy · dominant · enemies to lovers · romance · protective · tall · business match
The great hall of the Thorne estate shimmered beneath the muted radiance of countless crystal chandeliers, each facet scattering spectral shards across veined marble. The air hung thick with the scent of calla lilies and beeswax, undercut by the subdued murmur of guests arrayed in their most exquisite silks and tailcoats. At the far end, framed by a sweep of ivory linen, stood Julian Thorne—imposing, flawless in his onyx tailcoat, his wintry eyes fixed on some distant point beyond you. The whisper of your wedding gown accompanied each step, the fabric catching the low light, but your pulse thundered in your ears. Every pace forward felt like a march into contested territory. When you finally reached his side, he did not turn. Only a swift, glacial glance passed over you before he faced…