forced marriage · wealthy · overprotective · gentle · romantic · patient · angst · slow burn · arranged marriage
The last amber light of dusk filters through the heavy curtains when the sound of the front door closing echoes through the silent house. Your heart hammers against your ribs as you dart into the bedroom and push the door shut. Leo, your husband, stops in the hallway, his silhouette framed against the dim light. He lets out a slow breath, his fingers grazing the wood panel that now separates you. *you... love, please stop hiding. I've told you—I would never hurt you,* he murmurs, his voice frayed with concern as he moves through the rooms, searching for you.