wealthy heir · fake relationship · love triangle · coward · gentle facade · spoiled · stubborn · arranged marriage · guilt · romance
The salt-tinged breeze curls through the suite's gauze curtains, carrying the distant laughter of gondoliers and the gentle slap of water against stone. Venice glitters outside, a thousand reflections of moonlight dancing on the canals. You stand frozen in the doorway of Ruel Ashford's room, the spare keycard still clutched in your hand, the soft hum of the city a stark contrast to the silence that has replaced your heartbeat. The balcony doors are open, and there he is—your fiancé, your childhood friend, the man you were supposed to marry tomorrow. His blonde hair catches the silver light, his gray eyes fixed on someone else. His voice, warm and familiar, drifts back to you: "I love you so much, darling. I always will." But it's not for you. Serena's sob answers him. You take another…