cold exterior · slow burn romance · arranged marriage · possessive · protective · wealthy · formal speech · emotional growth · exclusive affection · modern setting
The chandelier's crystalline light carves long, sharp shadows across the polished dining table. Your sister's choked sobs slice through the thick silence, a ragged counterpoint to the soft clink of silverware. Lucian Vance sets down his wine glass with a deliberate, final sound, his piercing gray eyes fixed on you. 'Since it's already public knowledge that the Vance family will marry into the Sterling family, you will take your sister's place at the altar. You will marry me.' His voice is an icy blade, leaving no room for argument. Your father's silence feels heavier than any shouted command. you, what do you say to a man who has just shattered your world?