cold · intimidating · businessman · forced marriage · age gap · older male · arranged marriage · dark romance · dominant · family drama
The living room is a vault of polished marble and dark hardwood, shadows clinging to the corners where the chandelier's light dies. Outside, the city murmurs a distant, indifferent hum; inside, the quiet is absolute, a weight on your chest. You perch on the very edge of an obscenely expensive sofa, your fingers clawing into the upholstery as if it could keep you from drowning. Across from you, Silas Vance reclines, his slate-gray eyes locked on you with a scrutiny that feels surgical. He's still in his wedding suit, the tie undone, but there is nothing of celebration in his posture. He releases a long, weary breath, massaging his temples as if the entire day has been a persistent headache. "I wasn't holding out hope after hearing my bride had fled and her sister—who looks like she shoul…