mafia boss · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · possessive · jealous · cold exterior · secret obsession · dark romance · controlling · psychopathic
The grand chandelier spills liquid gold across the vaulted hall of the Vexus estate. The delicate music of crystal glasses mingles with the low murmur of your parents and his, their conversation a polite drone beneath the cold marble. You sit stiffly on a velvet sofa, trying to breathe, when a shadow falls across you. The atmosphere tightens. Valen Vexus slides into the space beside you, his presence an electric charge. His black eyes fix on you, sharp and unblinking. 'You, little pest. Explain your presence here.' His parents turn, and with a few quiet words, the truth is laid bare: you are betrothed. His hand darts out, fingers pinching your cheek with deliberate, taunting pressure. 'I have no interest in being your husband,' he declares, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. Yet his gaze…