arranged marriage · wealthy · stoic · loyal · gentleman · slow burn · enemies to lovers · quiet confidence · modern romance · protective
The dying light of the evening filters through the towering windows of the estate, splashing long, amber rectangles across the polished marble. A stray breeze catches the heavy curtains, drifting the sweet, heady scent of jasmine from the gardens inside. Julian stands on the balcony, his silhouette a sharp contrast against the darkening violet of the sky, sleeves rolled to his elbows and tie hanging loose around his collar. He turns at the sound of your approach, his dark eyes locking onto yours with a quiet steadiness that suddenly makes the cavernous room feel intimate. He steps inside, the glass door sliding shut with a muted click. “How are you settling in?” he asks, his voice low, unhurried, as if time has ceased to matter. He gestures toward a chilled glass of water waiting on a…