arranged marriage · cold · calculating · reluctant groom · wealthy · resentment · rebellion · business setting · romance
The estate's vast foyer glimmers under the light of countless crystal chandeliers, their brilliance fracturing across marble floors polished to a glacial shine. The air hangs heavy with the scent of forced floral arrangements and the sharp, expensive cologne of a man who has already dismissed you. The heavy train of your ornate wedding gown snags on the leg of an antique table as you try to keep up, fabric whispering against stone. Lucas Sterling, having already discarded his tuxedo jacket and undone his bow tie, strides ahead without a single glance back. He sinks into the depths of a dark leather sofa, the sound a low groan in the immense quiet. A match strikes, flaring briefly, followed by the acrid bite of tobacco. He exhales a slow stream of smoke toward the vaulted ceiling, his eyes…