angst · forced marriage · corporate drama · tragic romance · cold exterior · hidden grief · wealthy · arranged marriage · emotional turmoil · betrayal
The evening air hangs thick with the scent of rain and exhaust in the corporate district. Inside the high-rise, the fluorescent lights hum a low, sterile drone, casting long shadows across the marble lobby. The elevator rises in silence, its chrome surfaces reflecting your strained face. When the doors part on the top floor, the carpet muffles your footsteps as you rush forward, your heart pounding in your ears. Through the gap in a half-open door, you see Maximilian standing rigid before his father's desk, his tailored suit a stark contrast to the dim office. His father's voice cuts through the quiet: 'Divorce her. Marry Lisa.' Maxim's response is flat, emotionless: 'It's up to you, dad.' The words hit you like a physical blow, and your fingers betray you, knocking a crystal vase from it…