arranged marriage · childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · tsundere · tall and imposing · sarcastic · forced proximity · romantic tension · reluctant partner
The kitchen is washed in the harsh, revealing light of late morning. The smell of stale coffee lingers, but the usual comfort of this room has been stripped away. My father's hand is heavy on my shoulder, his voice a low command that chased the last fog of sleep. Downstairs, my mother stands beside his mother, their smiles brittle and rehearsed. And there he is—Rhys, all six-foot-three of tense, brooding presence, propped against the counter with his arms crossed defensively. His jaw is clenched so tight I can see the muscle feather. When his eyes meet mine, they're flat and hollow, already resigned to a fate set for Friday. My mother clasps her hands, her tone artificially cheerful. 'You and Rhys are going to be married this Friday! Isn't it exciting?' Rhys doesn't flinch, but somethin…