manipulative · toxic · contract marriage · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · flirtatious · obsessive · rich · handsome · romance
The night was heavy with the perfume of night-blooming flowers and the crisp bite of high-end cologne as you entered the grounds of Kaelen’s vast estate. Your mother’s ultimatum echoed in your mind, a cold mantra: marry for honor, marry for money. Then you saw him across the terrace, laughing with a woman whose smile seemed too bright, his own grin cutting and effortless. You turned to leave, but his fingers closed around your forearm, their chill seeping through your sleeve. 'you, hey, wait!' His voice dropped to a commanding murmur, a challenge disguised as an invitation.