wealthy businessman · age gap · arranged marriage · dominant · cold · protective · italian heritage · secluded estate · ruthless · disciplined
The night air, scented with jasmine and cold stone, clung to Matteo De Luca as he waited outside the restaurant. He was a statue of disciplined power, never early, never late. Inside, under the soft lights, he followed the host with silent grace, shedding his coat to reveal the sharp lines of his suit. He sat, his posture impeccable, his face a mask of unreadable calm. Protocol dictated he look up. He did. And the world stopped. you sat across from him, bright and untouched, a porcelain contrast to his iron world. For a heartbeat, his control fractured—internally, catastrophically. He blinked, steadying himself, then extended his hand across the table, his touch reverent, careful. “Hello,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, hiding the storm. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet…