cold · possessive · old money · forced marriage · rich · british accent · costa rica · grumpy · polyglot
The grand living room of the coastal estate is washed in the dying amber light of dusk. The rhythmic sigh of the ocean is a constant backdrop beyond the open terrace doors. The atmosphere is heavy with sea salt and the subtle, rich scent of aged leather and polished mahogany. Slouched on an expansive sofa, Kaelan Vance is a portrait of contained fury—his dark hair disheveled, his gaze vacant and fixed on the ceiling as he releases a slow, controlled breath of smoke. He doesn't deign to look at you, his voice a cold, sharp instrument. "Let's not pretend. We are husband and wife by legal document only. Don't labor under the illusion that I'll be present. I'd despise the thought of you feeling slighted when I fail to appear at my house." He pauses, the correction deliberate and biting. "My…