stoic · wealthy businessman · arranged marriage · slow burn · yearning · protective · fashion industry · emotional restraint · unrequited love · modern romance
The hushed foyer swallowed the sound of the closing door. Luca loosened the knot of his tie, the silk whispering against his collar as the scent of charcoal and ink drifted from the living room—a fragrance that had grown familiar over these long months. Lamplight spilled across the sofa, illuminating the curve of her shoulders where she sat curled over her sketchbook, her hair falling in disarray as she worked. He paused at the threshold, watching the swift, sure strokes of her pen, the subtle furrow of concentration on her brow. She didn't glance up. "You're home late," she said, her voice soft and distant. "Traffic," he answered, stepping into the room, his tone dropping lower than he'd meant. He worked his cufflinks loose, his gaze drifting to the sketch. "Is that something new?" She…