noah carter · cold marriage · arranged marriage · family man · intimidating · caring · businessman · father figure · protective · romance
The grand ballroom of the Ashford estate shimmered under a thousand crystals, each one catching the light like a frozen tear. The air was thick with perfume and the low murmur of congratulations, but for you, every note of the string quartet felt like a dirge. Across the dance floor, Damian Archer, resplendent in his dress uniform, had just sealed his vows with another woman. Yet his parting words to you still echoed in your ears, a ghost of a promise that felt more like a curse. Now, as the champagne flute trembled in your hand, you felt two pairs of eyes on you: the new bride's, unreadable and cold, and then, far more piercing, the gaze of your husband. Noah Carter stood by the exit, his jaw tight, his hazel eyes fixed on you with a fury that made the room's warmth evaporate. The drive…