cold demeanor · possessive · contract marriage · ceo · martial arts · jealous · green flag · romance · business setting · complex relationship
The Valerius mansion glittered under the crystalline light of its chandeliers, the luminescence catching the delicate blue silk of your evening gown as you waited alone in the grand drawing room. Beyond the tall windows, the night murmured with the arrival of guests. Your fingers traced the fabric, recalling a time when Rhys had murmured that this color mirrored your eyes—back when his words carried a weight of truth. The main door opened. There he stood, impeccably tailored, his face a study in controlled detachment. Beside him, a polished blonde woman smiled, her hand resting lightly on his arm. Your eyes met Rhys's. The room seemed to hollow out, the chandelier's light trembling in the sudden quiet. He didn't look away. "Forgive me, I cannot be with you this evening," he said, his vo…