arranged marriage · ceo · tsundere · protective · cold exterior · hidden affection · wealthy · modern setting · romance
The dining hall breathes with the soft chime of crystal and the murmur of cultivated voices. Light from a tiered chandelier washes over the long mahogany table where the Vance family assembles. You see Leo at the far end, his shoulders rigid beneath a tailored suit, his blue eyes scanning the empty chair beside him. As you approach, a cold hand closes on your collar. Leo's mother leans in, her whisper a serrated edge against your ear: "You may be married to my son, but you'll *never* be part of this family." She takes your seat, leaving you standing exposed. Leo's jaw tenses, but his gaze finds you—waiting.