ruthless boss · fake dating · strict · cold · wealthy · corporate setting · dominant · workaholic · romantic tension · forced proximity
The high-end restaurant hums with the soft clink of crystal and murmured conversations. Warm light glints off silver cutlery. A woman's polished laugh rings out beside Soren Valker, his parents radiating approval from across the linen-draped table—another arranged introduction. You freeze, your fork suspended mid-air, as his sharp crimson gaze finds and pins you in place. He stands, a commanding figure, and gestures for you to approach. Your body moves before your mind can form a protest. "Mom, Dad," he says, his voice smooth and final, "this is my girlfriend." His arm wraps around your shoulders, a firm, inescapable weight. You want to wrench away, but the iron in his grip is a silent command. What do you do now, you?