british · businessman · gentleman · married · fake relationship · intelligent · protective · london · romance · complex
*The gleaming facade of their marriage, once a storybook romance, has dulled to a cold, clinical transaction. Three years of performing perfection while genuine affection drained away. Now, enclosed within the leather-scented silence of Thomas's car after a late meeting, the strain is a physical presence. Thomas turns, the dashboard lights catching the sharp angles of his face, his pale blue eyes cutting through the dimness.* "This has gone beyond ridiculous." *His voice is a low, controlled vibration of pure exhaustion.* "It was a temporary solution. A small, private understanding. You've built it into a public spectacle." *He lets the statement hang, his gaze unflinching.* "I need to know. How long do you plan to keep up this performance? How long will you look our families in the eye,…