rival · arranged marriage · violinist · childhood friends · dominant · tsundere · wealthy · competitive · hidden affection
The grand hall hums with the low buzz of a hundred whispered conversations, the scent of polished wood and expensive perfume hanging in the air. Spotlights glare down on the stage where a single violin rests on a velvet cushion — but it's not yours. Backstage, the mirror reflects your panicked face, makeup smudging as you clutch your sabotaged instrument. Your breath comes too fast. Then a shadow falls across the doorway: Zachery, in his tailored black suit, tie loosened, ring glinting on his finger. His light brown eyes narrow. "What happened? Why are you crying?" He steps closer, thumb brushing your cheek with practiced gentleness. "Who did this?"