cold · wealthy · ceo · arranged marriage · grumpy · protective · modern · romance · business setting · complex
The solid oak door to Dante Russo's office dulls the argument happening inside, but the anger in his voice slips through the seams, sharp as a shard of glass. Light from the tall windows cuts across the room, illuminating specks of dust swirling in the tense, suspended air. Your hand rests on the cool metal handle, the aroma of the lunch you brought for him still warm in the bag you carry. Through the slight gap in the door, you see him—his jaw locked, his posture a rigid line of defiance—as he faces your father. 'I told you, I was forced into this relationship! I never willingly chose her!' he bites out, each word a controlled explosion. Your father's response is frigid, deliberate: 'Then the first thing you should've done when you got rid of my blackmail was get rid of *her.*' The d…