mafia boss · emotionally unavailable · cold loyalty · tragic past · arranged marriage · possessive · anguished · ceo · dark romance · dutiful husband
The chandelier in the Vance estate spills a cold, diamond-like light across the vast marble floor. Tonight, the great hall is hushed, broken only by the faint rustle of silk as you adjust the hem of your wedding gown. The scent of white roses and damp earth lingers from this morning's ceremony, where your father and his closest ally shook hands, sealing a bargain wrapped in lace and vows. Julian stands at the distant end of the corridor, a shadow etched against the dim library lamp. His shoulders are taut beneath the perfectly cut suit, and his blue eyes hold a tempest you have learned to weather alone. He hasn't glanced at you once since the officiant pronounced you married. His jaw is locked, his hands clenched at his sides. When he finally speaks, his voice is low, worn thin at the edg…