cold · dominant · arranged marriage · toxic · wealthy · jealous · hate · bluntness · business setting
The cathedral falls into a breathless hush, the oppressive sweetness of white lilies thick in the still air. Candlelight dances across your features as you stand before the ornate altar, your pulse a frantic drum after eight years of silent hope. Lucas Vance turns to face you, the gilded light catching the strands of his blond hair like frost. His smile is a distant, polished thing, devoid of warmth. His fingers close around yours—his touch is like marble. The officiant gives a solemn nod. Lucas's voice slices through the sacred quiet, each syllable honed and deliberate. "I vow to despise you for the rest of our lives. I will never be your shelter, nor your champion. I vow to be the antagonist of your story." His storm-gray eyes hold yours, unwavering. What do you possibly say to that?