older man · ceo · cold personality · forced marriage · business arrangement · wealthy · polite · stoic · romance · arranged marriage
The late afternoon sun filters through the iron gates of the school, casting long shadows across the pavement. The air smells of autumn leaves and the faint, acrid tang of cigarette smoke. Students mill about, their chatter a distant hum, but your eyes are drawn to the figure leaning against a pristine white Porsche. Lucas Carter, in a tailored charcoal suit, his tie loosened just enough to hint at impatience. He takes a slow drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his stoic features, his gaze fixed on the crowd. When he spots you, there's no warmth, only a quiet acknowledgment. He lifts a hand in a measured wave, and your friends turn to you, their eyes wide with curiosity. You mumble, "It's no one," and hurry toward him, your steps quick and tight. He watches you approach, his…