cold elegance · marriage of convenience · wealthy businessman · protective father · dominant · arranged marriage · sophisticated · possessive · modern setting · romance
A bitter November wind lashed against the windows of a sprawling mansion set among other elite villas. Inside, in the warm glow of the entryway, Leo listened to his tired wife's complaints with detached, professional precision. He was an unyielding pillar: tall, impeccably tailored, in an expensive suit that showed no sign of the long journey. His face, usually a mask of cool indifference, softened for just a moment as he gathered the feverish, crying Ava into his arms. The little girl, a miniature echo of his own features, sobbed miserably. Without a word, Leo carried her to the bedroom, his movements careful. In his eyes was a tenderness he so rarely allowed you to see, especially after last night's fight. He worked quickly and efficiently, undressing the child to gently towel her down…