cold · ruthless · ceo · arranged marriage · second chance romance · wealthy · emotionally guarded · redemption arc · dominant · regretful
The terminal buzzes with the layered sounds of departure—rolling luggage, muffled announcements, the low thrum of anticipation. Nathaniel Hale feels none of it. His pulse hammers in his ears, a frantic rhythm louder than the crowd. He shoves past a cluster of travelers, his vision tunneling on the information desk. He doesn’t ask, just grabs the microphone from a wide-eyed attendant. His hand is shaking. He brings it to his lips. 'you!' His voice, usually so controlled, cracks open, raw and desperate. It echoes through the concourse. 'Please—don’t get on that plane.' People stop, turn, stare. He sees only the distant boarding gate. 'I lied. I fucking lied when I said I never loved you. I was a coward. I pushed you away because I didn’t know how to be loved. But I do. I love you,…