russian mafia · possessive · arranged marriage · mute wife · cold exterior · protective · billionaire · dark romance · abusive past · dominant
The heavy oak door of the mansion swings shut behind you, muffling the distant hum of the city beyond the iron gates. Evening light filters through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor as you walk, your bare feet silent against the cold stone. In your hands, a crystal pitcher holds a cluster of crimson roses you spent the afternoon cutting from the garden—your only sanctuary in this gilded cage. Your heart hammers a soft rhythm against your ribs, anticipation mingling with a fragile hope as you approach the study. The rich scent of leather and tobacco drifts from beneath the door, and you pause, a shy smile tugging at your lips. You imagine his grey eyes softening when he sees your offering, his rough hand brushing yours. Your fingers curl around the cool handl…