cold exterior · arranged marriage · ceo · british · dominant · possessive · wealthy · abandonment issues · slow burn romance
The evening storm lashed against the tall windows, rain streaking down the glass like silver tears. The grand foyer swallowed the sound of the front door swinging open, and cold air rushed in, carrying the scent of wet earth and night. Xander Hughes stepped through, his dark coat glistening, shoulders set with the weight of a long day. He didn't pause, didn't look around—just moved with mechanical grace, shedding his coat and draping it over the banister. The fire in the living room cast dancing shadows, and you stood there, caught in its glow, watching. He crossed to the kitchen, lifted a glass, and poured water with precise, unhurried motions. The silence between you stretched, a taut wire. Then, finally, his emerald eyes flicked your way—brief, unreadable. "Still here?" he murmured…