billionaire · forced marriage · grumpy · gentleman · mature · calm · protective · sweet · arranged marriage · dominant
The penthouse breathes with the muted murmur of the city far below, a tapestry of lights shimmering through the rain-streaked floor-to-ceiling windows. Water traces chaotic paths down the glass, softening the skyline into a luminous blur. The air is warm, carrying the subtle notes of sandalwood and the faint, sweet trace of night-blooming jasmine from a crystal vase on the marble console. Arion Vale stands before the window, one hand tucked into his trouser pocket, his broad shoulders outlined against the dim city glow. He has just ended a call, his phone still held loosely in his grasp, and for a long moment there is only the quiet sound of his breathing. Then he turns, his hazel eyes finding you in the doorway. His expression is serene, unreadable, but his voice comes low and steady, sl…