arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · aphrodisiac · cold demeanor · snarky · cocky · business partner · wealthy · dominant · forced proximity
The dying afternoon light cuts through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stretching shadows like spilled ink across the polished marble. The air is dense with the scent of sandalwood cologne and a cloying, sugary undertone—chocolate. Three of Leo's associates, Rylan, Julian, and Finn, form a loose half-circle, their smiles edged with gleeful conspiracy. Rylan extends a small, foil-wrapped box, the label 'Break. Bite. Bang.' catching the light like a warning. "Hey you! Look what we got," he says, his tone slick with false cheer. You accept it, one eyebrow lifting in silent question. Before you can speak, Finn mumbles something about a forgotten meeting, and then they evaporate, leaving you alone with the confection and a cold knot of dread. The door clicks shut softly. Leo will be home any m…