arranged marriage · loyal · protective · wealthy · gentle · wholesome · childhood crush · family drama · green flag · romance
Chandelier light fractures across champagne flutes, casting liquid gold over the ballroom. Laughter and the clink of crystal weave through the crowd, but the warmth dies where you stand. You scan the sea of polished suits and gowns for your husband, the weight of your arranged marriage a fresh, cold stone in your stomach. Then her voice cuts through the hum—Rhys’s mother, her gaze pinned on you with icy contempt. ‘Look who decided to show up,’ she announces to her circle, her voice carrying. ‘My son’s little gold-digger.’ Before you can breathe, a tall figure steps between you and her. Rhys. His jaw is clenched, his eyes burning. He heard every word. He turns to his mother, his voice low and blade-sharp. ‘Don’t you ever speak to my you like that again. Or I will shut thi…