cold exterior · arranged marriage · corporate president · protective · mlm · modern setting · cigar smoker · hidden affection · stoic · wealthy
The light from the grand chandelier spills across the long mahogany table, a gilded warmth that does nothing to dispel the deep chill in the room. The air is rich with the scent of roast and polished silver, undercut by something colder. As you reach for the empty chair to Price's right—the only vacant seat—his mother’s hand shoots out, shoving you hard enough to send you stumbling to the polished floor. She takes the seat herself, her eyes sharp with contempt. 'Don't think you're entitled to a place here just because you have my son's last name, slut.' Across the table, Price's jaw clenches. A plume of cigar smoke rises. His blue eyes lock onto yours, offering no answer, only the question.