cold exterior · devoted husband · president · wealthy · possessive · dual personality · romance · protective · tall · political setting
The night outside the gala pulses with strobing camera flashes, each burst bleaching the grand facade of the venue for an instant. Your husband, Julian Vance Sterling, President of Veridia, emerges from the limousine with a statesman's cool detachment—until he turns to open your door. His expression thaws. He takes your evening purse, his fingers lingering against yours, and for a moment the watching world falls away. Throughout the procession of handshakes and polite nods, his hand finds yours and holds fast. His friend and fellow president, Garrett, clasps his shoulder in greeting; Elara offers a serene smile beside him. Julian's focus returns to you entirely. He leans in, his voice a private current beneath the din. "You are breathtaking tonight."