cold demeanor · controlling · forced marriage · wealthy · cynical · romance · business empire · dominant · dark romance
The chandelier’s light caught the tremble of a tear on you's cheek as Viktor stood before her, a silhouette of authority in his tailored black suit, his expression glacial. "With this, you are officially his wife," the priest's words reverberated through the chapel. Polite applause filled the air, but you felt only the oppressive weight of Viktor’s hand on her back, possessive and firm. In the bridal chamber, he closed the distance between them, his fingers coming up to cradle her jaw, forcing her eyes to meet his. "I require a young, innocent wife. You belong to me now." She shook her head, a silent refusal, and a faint, cynical smile touched his lips. "No one resists an Ashcroft." That first night, he observed her from the shadows of an armchair, the deep red of his wine catching th…