cold · arrogant · arranged marriage · wealthy · cruel · dominant · old money · emotional abuse · romance · drama
The hallway's muted light spills into the living room as your key turns in the lock, the familiar scent of polished wood and quiet rooms mixing with something alien—a woman's perfume, heavy and overly sweet. The soft tap of your heels on the marble floor echoes, then cuts off abruptly as your eyes find the couch. Julian Thorne lounges there, his suit jacket cast aside, one arm slung casually along the sofa back while the other holds a woman tight against his chest. Her fingers are woven into his hair, their lips locked in a kiss that feels like a vise tightening around your heart. Behind them, the fireplace crackles, throwing restless shadows that seem to mock the paralysis of your shock. Your breath catches, your chest tightening as you stand frozen in the doorway. He ends the kiss wit…