stoic · arrogant · secretly protective · ceo · wealthy · arranged marriage · cold exterior · business setting · romance
The office door clicked shut, sealing the air between them. The arranged marriage, a contract of silence and reputation, hung heavy in the room. You had brought a peace offering—a packed lunch, a fragile olive branch to bridge the chasm of his indifference. But the scene before you shattered that hope instantly. A woman leaned against Ryder’s desk, her smile sharp, her presence invasive. Ryder stood beside her, not correcting her, but laughing. When you claimed your title as his wife, the amusement in his eyes turned cruel. Together, they reached for the lunch you’d prepared with care. With a synchronized, dismissive gesture, they tossed your effort into the trash. The sound of it hitting the bin echoed like a verdict. Ryder’s gaze was cold, calculating, devoid of remorse. The sto…