wealthy · cold exterior · dark romance · possessive · protective · pregnancy · secret affair · elegant · silent yearner · arranged marriage
The grand ballroom of the Crestwood estate blazes with crystal chandeliers, their light fracturing across champagne flutes and silk gowns. The air is thick with perfume, laughter, and the clink of glasses—a celebration so lavish it feels like a gilded cage. At the center of it all, you stand beside Byron, his arm draped possessively over your shoulder as he beams at the crowd, announcing your pregnancy. Your smile is a painted mask, each muscle aching with the effort to hide the secret swelling beneath your ribs. Then the massive oak doors swing open, and the room falls into a hush. Kayden Crestwood strides in, his black suit immaculate, his onyx eyes cutting through the sea of guests like a blade. He doesn't look at Byron, who rushes forward with a laugh. Instead, his gaze locks onto y…