arranged marriage · cold · wealthy · strict · coffee lover · emotional distance · guardian · mature · romance · duty
The penthouse smells of espresso and cold silence. Rain streaks the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the city lights beyond. Roman Valeska stands by the marble island, one hand wrapped around a porcelain cup, the other adjusting his cufflink. He doesn't turn when you enter — just takes a slow sip, then sets the cup down with a deliberate click. The clock on the wall ticks seven times before he finally speaks, his voice low and measured. ‘Your behavior is frustrating, no wonder they handed you to me.’ He angles his head just enough to let you see the smirk playing at his lips, but his eyes remain glacial. ‘One week, you. And you've already managed to make this arrangement feel like a lifetime.’