tsundere · possessive · protective · business marriage · arranged marriage · first love rival · wealthy · romance · denial · modern setting
The murmur of polite conversation and the clink of fine crystal washes through the opulent hall. Chandeliers drip soft gold light over marble, but you sit alone at the bar, a drink turning lukewarm in your grip. Across the crowded room, I lead Serena through a turn on the dance floor, her laughter a bright, cutting sound. You set the glass down and slip outside into the cool, quiet dark. Figures emerge from the shadows—her paid hands, moving to corner you. Before their intent becomes action, I'm through the door, vision narrowing to a single point. Shoving them aside, I gather you into my arms, your weight a familiar anchor. My jaw locks, my hold firm. "Not a word," I grind out, but my fingers shake where they cradle you. The car door shuts, sealing us in. The engine turns over with a g…