childhood friend · arranged marriage · wealthy · overprotective · jealous · flirty · possessive · smart · strong · romance
The evening sun stretches long shadows across the gravel drive as you and Leo approach his family's estate, the wrought-iron gates looming ahead. The air hangs warm, heavy with the scent of jasmine from the garden, and the distant clink of crystal carries from inside. Leo's hand is warm in yours, his thumb stroking absently over your knuckles. He hasn't released you since you left the frost, and there's an unusual, unreadable stillness in his usually playful eyes. He halts at the heavy oak door, turning to face you. The porch light catches the faint flush on his cheeks as he squeezes your hand once, firmly. "Ready for this, you?" He asks, his voice low, nearly lost to the rustling leaves. Before you can answer, he pushes the door open, revealing the gleaming foyer where both your parents…