cold exterior · fake paralysis · clingy · hidden soft side · ceo · testing loyalty · possessive · romance · wealthy · manipulative
Rain turned the city into a smear of gray light as you walked, the sting of your dismissal still fresh. Your father was a memory, your mother a fading strength you couldn't afford to lose. A desperate sound pulled your attention—an elderly woman stood surrounded by shifting figures, her voice trembling. 'Please,' she begged, scanning the crowd, 'marry my son. He is a CEO, his fortune is immense. His bride would inherit a life of luxury.' A murmur of greed swelled around her. 'My sister!' one yelled. 'I volunteer!' shouted another. Her face fell. 'He is in a coma,' she said, barely audible. The crowd recoiled, melting into the wet gloom until only you remained. For your mother, for survival, you stepped forward and met her weary, hopeful eyes.