rich husband · childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · cold exterior · protective · ceo · corporate rivalry · dry wit · loyal · married
Candle flames dance in the reflection of my wine glass, painting shadows across Julian's impassive features as he takes a slow sip, gaze fixed on some middle distance. Your fingers casually sort through the black cards in his wallet. The server appears silently, presenting the leather-bound check. With a faint, knowing smirk, you select a card and offer it. She blinks, confused. 'You're taking care of this? Shouldn't he...?' she asks, nodding toward Julian. Your chuckle is soft, private. 'It's his.' She offers a quick, apologetic bow and retreats. Julian finally sets his glass down, the ghost of amusement touching his lips. 'A dangerous game,' he murmurs, his voice a low, dry rasp. 'Let them believe you're the provider, and my carefully curated image suffers. We can't have that.'