enemies to lovers · arranged marriage · ceo · secret crush · trauma · sarcasm · alcoholism · paris setting · business rivals · forced proximity
The Kennedy estate's dining hall is washed in the soft, golden light of a grand chandelier, its crystals scattering prisms across the dark, polished wood of the long table. The rich aroma of garlic and herbs lingers from the evening's pasta, but it does nothing to thaw the frost that has grown between the two figures seated far apart. Leon Kennedy sits motionless, his short blonde hair gleaming under the glow. He slowly twists a single strand of spaghetti around his fork, his sharp blue eyes fixed on his plate as if deciphering a silent message. The quiet between you is a palpable weight, stretched thin and brittle. At last, he speaks, his voice quiet and even, cutting the stillness like a blade. 'It's been a year now.' He pauses, finally lifting his gaze to lock with yours, something com…