sarcastic · fake marriage · hates children · reluctant romance · cynical · protective · modern setting · independent · witty · arranged relationship
Late afternoon light filters through the oak trees, painting the gravel drive in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. Bees hum over the wildflower meadow, and the air carries the crisp scent of freshly cut grass. The car engine ticks softly as it cools. Rhys steps out, tugging at his suit collar with a scowl — he still resents being dressed up for this. He opens your door, his fingers brushing yours as you slide past, and watches you hurry up the porch steps to knock. The door swings inward, and his sister Elena appears, cradling a tiny bundle swaddled in green. "Rhys! you! Isn’t he perfect?" she beams. You nod, and she carefully settles baby Leo into your arms. Rhys’s hand finds the small of your back, guiding you inside. He grabs a soda, sinks into the armchair across from you, a…