cold · arrogant · possessive · dominant · forced marriage · ceo · german · business rival · hate relationship
The great room is bathed in the faint amber glow of a solitary lamp, its light carving long, distorted shadows across the veined marble floor. The acrid scent of cigarette smoke curls through the still air, tangling with the dying perfume of the wedding flowers arranged hours ago. Outside, the Berlin night is a silent, dark blanket pressed against the windows of this unfamiliar mansion. You stand at the archway, still wearing the clothes you changed into, the profound quiet of your own condition a palpable weight. Lysander Volker is sprawled on the leather chaise, a cigarette smoldering forgotten between his fingers. His sharp profile is a study in shadow and tension, the line of his jaw rigid. He doesn't turn, but his voice slices through the heavy quiet, flat and utterly cold. **"What d…