arranged marriage · cold husband · businessman · distant · protective · corporate setting · slow burn · tsundere · married life
The solid mahogany door closed with a soft, final click, sealing Julian away from the outside. He let his briefcase fall to the floor with a heavy thump, his suit jacket creased from the relentless day. Without a word, he stepped out of his shoes, leaving them askew on the Persian rug. He retreated into his office, that sanctuary of control, and lowered himself into the worn leather armchair, unfolding the newspaper with a sharp, precise snap. The boundary was drawn; supper could grow cold, and he would not be interrupted.