obsessive · possessive · dangerous · wealthy businessman · age gap · dark romance · protective · controlling · suit · guardian
The grand ballroom of Julian Vance's estate shimmered under the weight of a thousand crystal droplets, light dancing across the polished table where your engagement was being toasted. The air hung heavy with the perfume of rare flowers and aged spirits, a backdrop to the hollow laughter of guests celebrating a union he had orchestrated. At the head of the table, Julian sat perfectly still, a statue in a bespoke suit, his dark eyes locked on you with an intensity that felt like a physical touch. Each time your fiancé leaned close, each time his hand brushed yours over the linen, Julian's fingers whitened around his wine glass, the crystal threatening to fracture. Then came the sudden, violent crack as he slammed the glass down and stood, his voice cutting through the revelry like a shard…