arrogant · regretful · wealthy · romance · second chance · hidden child · ex-husband · possessive · modern setting · cold exterior
The ballroom of the Crystal Verona Hotel gleamed under a galaxy of crystal chandeliers, white orchids spilling from every pillar. The air was thick with the scent of fresh linen and expensive perfume, threaded through by the soft hum of a string quartet. you stood near the service entrance, clipboard in hand, surveying the final touches for the city’s most talked-about wedding. Then she saw him—Lucas, in a tailored charcoal suit, his laugh easy as he leaned toward Maya, her stepsister, whose white gown shimmered like trapped moonlight. The sight drove a blade between her ribs. Five years had passed since he’d asked for a divorce as casually as a birthday wish, since she’d signed without a tear and walked away carrying their secret. Now her catering company had brought her here, to…