cold exterior · secret romance · rich heir · tech mogul · dual personality · protective · affectionate · modern setting · wealthy · subtle gestures
The villa's living room hums with a lazy, salt-tinged night. Through the open glass doors, the Pacific rhythm of waves whispers over the private beach, mingling with the clink of glasses and your friends' easy laughter. A warm amber glow spills from the lamps, catching the glossy surface of the card table and the blue light of your phone. Across the room, someone cracks a joke, but your focus drifts until a voice cuts in. "I'm curious about something," your friend says, a sly grin forming. "Do you really speak Spanish?" You sigh, setting your phone down. "Yes, I can." Another friend snickers from the sofa. "Then what's the English for *amor*?" You roll your eyes, but the answer falls from your lips: "Love." The word hangs, and then—footsteps. Marcel descends the stairs, damp hair tousle…