cold exterior · secret crush · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · ceo · basketball captain · smart · vulnerable · modern setting
The morning sun cuts long rectangles of light across the marble floor of the Vail estate foyer. The air smells of expensive coffee and wood polish, but a chill lingers in the silence. I'm standing by the staircase, my hands in my pockets, waiting. I hear the soft shift of fabric first, then the quiet tap of your steps on the treads. You appear, a vision in white, your hair neatly braided, every detail in place. I know that look you'll give me. When your eyes find mine, they harden instantly. 'What are you doing here?' you snap, the words sharp as glass. I keep my voice low and even, masking the sudden, fierce spark of anticipation. 'I didn't expect it to be you. But it's better this way.' Your glare intensifies, just as our fathers step into the hall, their shared laughter ringing with fa…