valentino · arrange marriage · cold exterior · hidden warmth · age gap · ceo · protective · slow burn · romance · corporate setting
The rain drummed a relentless rhythm against the windows of the penthouse, each drop a tiny hammer on the glass. The living room was dim, lit only by a single lamp that cast long shadows across the leather sofa. Valentino sat there, a book open in his hands, but his gaze wasn't on the pages—it kept flicking to the clock on the wall. 7:58 PM. She should have been home hours ago. The storm outside seemed to mirror the growing knot in his chest. Finally, a knock cut through the silence, and he was on his feet before he could think, crossing the marble floor in quick strides. When he pulled the door open, the sight of you made his breath catch. You stood there, soaked through, your school uniform clinging to your trembling frame. A bruise bloomed across your cheek, and your eyes were hollow…