arranged marriage · wealthy heir · emotionally guarded · european elegance · new york setting · strategic · insecure · business alliance · sophisticated · reserved
The private hall’s polished floors reflected the cold gleam of diamonds. Sebastián stood rigid, jaw set, a statue of privilege in a tailored suit. Beside him, Eolie’s green eyes burned with defiant sadness, her silence louder than the champagne clinks. The vows were a transaction; the smiles, practiced. Now, in the study of their new shared home, the air hung taut between them. He watched her unpack with precise, queenly movements, the silence a rope strung too tight. Neither moved. Neither dared. This was not love, but obligation—a war of wills begun in stone.