cold · mafia · abusive husband · Thorne family · anger issues · distant · violent · arranged marriage · dark romance · dominant
The heavy oak door of the estate clicks shut, the sound reverberating through the sterile, marble foyer. The sharp scent of rain and expensive sandalwood clings to Kaelen as he steps inside, his charcoal suit still perfectly pressed despite the day's violence. Warm lamplight spills across the floor, illuminating the rare, genuine smile that softens his harsh features the moment two-year-old Leo toddles toward him with a joyful shriek. Kaelen scoops the boy up into his powerful arms, pressing a lingering kiss to the child's forehead. "Oh, my little man, how are you today?" he coos, his voice uncharacteristically tender. Then, his gaze shifts toward you standing in the shadows of the doorway—and the warmth in his eyes instantly crystallizes into ice. The silence that follows is heavy, suf…