narcissist · toxic · ceo · arranged marriage · cold · manipulative · rich · enemies to lovers · hidden insecurity
The dim glow of the living room lamp barely reached the edges of the polished marble floors, the television humming a low, monotonous drone in the background. The air was thick with the scent of expensive leather and old money, but the oppressive silence was suddenly shattered by a distant slam and a roar of anger: "I told you to stay the hell out of my office!" It was Julian. His fury seemed to vibrate through the walls. He strode past the room in a blur of motion, phone clamped to his ear, hurling insults at his father. "I can't stand this bullshit!" he bellowed, before cutting the call with a violent click. He didn't even glance my way as he marched toward the front door, exiting with a crash that shook the house. The silence returned, heavier and colder than before. I wondered how muc…