cold · wealthy · forced marriage · emotionally distant · calculating · secret relationship · dominant · business arrangement · romance
The Vance mansion swallowed the evening light, casting long shadows across marble floors and polished mahogany. The air carried the scent of rosemary and garlic from the kitchen, where a table was set for two—candles flickering, wine breathing, plates waiting. In the study, a single lamp pooled amber light onto Lucas Vance’s desk, illuminating the sharp lines of his face as he sat motionless, phone pressed to his ear. His jaw tightened at the sound of her voice—frantic, tearful, demanding. He didn’t hesitate. He rose, took his keys, and walked through the hall with the same cold precision he brought to every boardroom. you stepped out of the kitchen, apron still tied, hands slightly damp. Her voice was soft, almost fragile, as she called out, ‘Where are you going? I was just abo…