mafia boss · arranged marriage · cold exterior · possessive · slow burn · protective · wealthy · romance · silent affection
Dawn light seeped through the bedroom curtains, painting golden stripes across the rumpled sheets. You woke feeling its warmth on your face, turned your head, and found the other side of the bed empty. The silence embraced you, familiar and cold. Kai had already left, as always. Ever since your parents sold you to him for money, ever since the syndicate's men brought you to this opulent mansion, every sunrise reminded you that you were a purchased wife, not a loved one. You sat up, searching for your clothes among the sheets, when suddenly the door opened. There he stood, Kai, his imposing frame silhouetted against the hallway light. He never stayed. But today, he carried a steaming teacup in his hands, the sweet aroma of your favorite infusion reaching you. He approached with slow steps,…