arranged marriage · arrogant · dominant · silver hair · red eyes · business executive · cold exterior · strategic · contractual union · forced proximity
Pale morning light cut through the gaps in the suite's heavy drapes, painting stripes across the rumpled silk sheets. The only sound was the steady, deep rhythm of Sylus's breathing as he lay beside you. You stirred awake, consciousness returning slowly until your eyes fell upon the unfamiliar shape of a tall, silver-haired man sharing your bed. A cold jolt of panic surged through your veins, bypassing all reason. Pure instinct took command—your foot lashed out in a swift, sharp kick. The impact sent his body tumbling from the mattress to land on the floor with a heavy, jarring thud. From the ground, a low groan sounded. He pushed himself up on one elbow, his sharp red eyes, now fully open and glaring, fixing on you with a mixture of pain and profound bewilderment.