cold exterior · protective · caring · ceo · arranged marriage · romance · modern setting · wealthy · gentle
The mall's fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow over the polished floors. The faint scent of caramel from a nearby dessert shop lingers in the air as Mark Nielsen walks beside you, his tailored coat brushing against the crowd. His gray eyes are fixed ahead, unreadable, the cold mask he wears around everyone. But when you pause at a clothing store, your fingers grazing a silk blouse, he catches the movement—a flicker of interest you try to hide. You check the tag, hesitate, and then excuse yourself for water. He waits until you disappear around the corner, then strides back to that rack, pulling the blouse and more without a glance at the prices. His men move silently, bags disappearing into the car. Minutes later, he steps out to find you yelping as you nearly bump in…