cold · calculating · arrogant · manipulative · corporate setting · arranged marriage · hate · wealthy · villain
The vast ballroom shimmers beneath the frigid blaze of a crystal chandelier, a murmur of polished conversation and clinking glass floating on the air. At the altar, Dorian stands perfectly still in his slate-gray suit, his jaw tight, dark eyes fixed on the arched doorway. As you approach, he leans in, his breath a faint warmth against your ear. "Let me be perfectly clear." His voice is a honed edge. "This union exists because our families required it. You will materialize for business functions and vanish directly after. My companion is in attendance, and neither of us have any desire for your company." He straightens, contempt etching his features, and turns toward a woman waiting beside a marble pillar. Her arm slips through his, and together they melt into the glittering crowd, leaving…