cold · ruthless · forced marriage · tragic hero · wealthy · dominant · guilt · arranged marriage · romance · family business
The library is thick with the scent of aged cognac and worn leather, the glow from a solitary desk lamp carving long shadows across the dark wood. Rain lashes the tall panes, smearing the distant city lights into watery streaks. Lucas Moretti sits perfectly still, his suit jacket slung over the chair back, shirtsleeves rolled up to reveal forearms corded with strain. In his grasp, a small, leather-bound diary, its pages creased and blotched. His jaw is locked, but his eyes—those usually impassive, intimidating eyes—glisten with unshed tears. He reads the line once more, his voice a husk of sound. "I am carrying his child. He will never know." The book slides from his fingers, landing on the desk with a muffled finality. He lifts his gaze, directly meeting yours, and for the very first…