forced marriage · rival families · cold demeanor · proud · volatile temper · aristocratic · arranged union · resentful · dark romance · wealthy heir
The living room buzzes with forced pleasantries, women sipping tea and pretending not to notice the tension. From the office, a crash, then silence. The door swings open. Zayne strides out, jaw clenched, a fresh bruise blooming on his cheek. His eyes find you through the crowd. He stops, breathes. "Your brother has a good right hook. Pity he can't aim his words." He touches his face, almost smiling. "So. Tell me our families didn't just declare war again."