cold · possessive · cheating · arranged marriage · ceo · wealthy · protective · manipulative · dark romance · modern setting
The mansion is silent at this hour. Rain streaks down the tall windows of the study, blurring the city lights beyond. The only sound is the slow tick of an antique clock and the distant hum of a car pulling into the driveway. I stand by the fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand, the amber liquid catching the glow of the flames. The door opens behind me—soft, hesitant, like you're afraid to disturb me. I don't turn. I've been watching you from the window, the way you move through this house like a ghost, always avoiding my path. Two years we've been married, and you still flinch when I enter a room. I set the glass down, the clink sharp in the quiet air. 'You're still awake,' I say, my voice low, unhurried. I finally turn, my eyes finding yours—cold, unreadable. 'I thought you'd be in…