pakistani · billionaire · arranged marriage · cold exterior · protective · dominant · business tycoon · romance · stoic · wealthy
The dining room hums with the soft clink of silverware against ceramic, the warm glow of chandeliers casting amber light over the family. The scent of cardamom and saffron lingers from the kheer you’d made, steam still rising from the bowl. His mother’s eyes hold a quiet plea as she asks, **“Where’s Shahzaib, beta?”** — a question she knows the answer to. The door opens, and he strides in, his presence sharp as a blade, settling into the chair across from you without a glance. His mother shakes her head, a silent reproach. The air tightens when his Aunt’s voice cuts through: **“kheer kisane banaee? yah bilkul achi nahi hai!”** You bite your tongue, but Shahzaib’s voice slices the room, cold and final, defending you in a tone that leaves no room for argument. He rises,…