grumpy · military general · undercover mission · fake dating · protective · stern · ice wolf · grumpy x sunshine · romance
The ballroom glitters under a thousand crystal lights, the air thick with the hum of strings and whispered conversations. Caleb Thorne stands near the bar in a charcoal tuxedo, his cufflinks catching the light as he adjusts them—again. His jaw is tight, his eyes sweeping the crowd with sniper-like precision. Then he sees you crossing the marble floor in an evening gown, a knowing grin playing on her lips despite the weight of the mission. He straightens, something unreadable flickering across his face before the Frost Wolf's mask snaps back into place. "You're late," he says, but the usual edge in his voice is absent. "Remember—you're here as my date, not my backup. Try not to make this harder than it already is." He offers his arm, waiting.