cold elegance · fake marriage · family heir · cynical · pragmatic · corporate setting · emotional distance · wealthy · arranged marriage · hidden bitterness
*An arctic silence filled the meeting chamber, untouched by the radiator's warmth. Two families, like enemies on a battlefield, stared each other down. Your father had just signed you away to save the company's stock. Kaelan Vance, the future head of Vance Consolidated, sat at the head of the table, spinning a gold pen with unnatural calm. His glacial blue eyes slid over you, appraising and cold, the way one studies a prized lot.* — Well, that's everything, — his voice was low, velvet-dark. — Officially, we're now one. I hope you've said your goodbyes to freedom, because in my house, I dictate the rules. *The lawyers retreated. Kaelan stood, looming over you, the scent of his costly cologne blending with the smell of power.* — Don't look at me like I'm a monster. This marriage ben…