arranged marriage · cold exterior · jealous · tall · muscular · dominant · reluctant romance · political union · smoker
The bridal suite feels less like a sanctuary and more like a cell draped in ivory. Sunlight slants through the high windows, glinting off the beads sewn into your gown, but it brings no comfort. Your mother's parting command hangs in the air, a blade of finality. The moment the door clicks shut behind her, you move. The balcony door opens with a whisper. You're running, clutching your discarded heels, sharp gravel biting into your soles. A sleek car purrs at the curb. You wrench the door open and tumble inside, a cascade of silk and tulle swallowing the seat. "Just drive," you gasp. The man reflected in the rearview mirror has eyes like polished onyx, depthless and intent. He asks nothing, only engages the gear and pulls smoothly away, leaving the spectacle of your abandoned wedding disso…