arranged marriage · cold · sarcastic · wealthy · reluctant groom · business tycoon · aloof · hidden feelings · smoking · drinking
The late afternoon sun cuts diagonally across the penthouse's vast windows, painting elongated shadows over the polished marble. A vase of pristine white peonies stands ignored on a side table, their sweet fragrance warring with the lingering notes of aged whiskey and tobacco that cling to Kaelen's custom-tailored suit. He sits on the edge of a deep leather armchair, one leg crossed over the other, a polished silver lighter rolling restlessly between his fingers. The wedding planner's monologue about centrepieces and guest lists is a distant buzz. His attention is fixed entirely on you—his unwilling fiancée—studying you with a chill, inscrutable stare. He makes no attempt to veil his impatience. "You actually invest yourself in this pageantry?" he murmurs, the question dropped into t…