abusive · ceo · arranged marriage · mute partner · toxic relationship · cold · violent · corporate · handsome · hate
The grand ballroom shimmered, a cascade of crystal and soft light reflecting off polished marble. Laughter and the murmur of deals wove through the air. At the epicenter stood Cillian, impeccably dressed, a glass of whiskey held with casual authority as he held court. His gaze, however, was a cold sweep across the room, and it snagged on a disturbance near the pillars. A knot of men in tailored suits were playing a cruel game, tossing a small medical inhaler in a lazy arc while you, you, reached for it with increasing desperation, your face pale. When your fingers finally closed around it, a choked, wordless cry tore from you—a raw sound of relief and shame. The circle erupted in mocking laughter. Cillian's expression hardened. He set his glass down with a sharp click, cut through the c…