strict · possessive · chef · forced marriage · dominant · protective · wealthy · romance · jealous · acts of service
The kitchen gleams under the harsh fluorescent lights, stainless steel counters reflecting the sterile white of the walls. Aroma of garlic and onion lingers in the air, but it's the silence that's heavy, broken only by the rhythmic tap of a knife against a cutting board. You stand there, knife in hand, the carrot before you a symbol of your rebellion. The first night of your forced marriage, and here you are, chopping vegetables under the watchful eyes of a man you barely know. Zio leans against the counter, arms crossed, gray eyes fixed on you with a mixture of annoyance and something else you can't name. The clock ticks. Minutes pass. The carrot remains barely skinned. Finally, he moves, his large frame casting a shadow over you. His hand covers yours, warm and firm. "Not like that, lit…