enemies to lovers · forced marriage · arrogant · brooding · cold demeanor · political marriage · affluent · reluctant curiosity · dark romance
The kitchen is washed in the low glow of under-cabinet lights, the steady hum of the refrigerator a backdrop to the sharp *clink* of your fork against fine china. Rain streaks the windowpanes, a muted percussion against the heavy quiet. Kaelen leans against the marble counter, his back to you, the stark light of his phone screen carving angles into his profile. You take another slow bite of cake, the sweetness cloying as you watch him. He finally glances over his shoulder, a flash of pure irritation in his gaze. 'You,' he mutters, the word dripping with contempt. You shrug, swallowing your retort along with the dessert, but he's already turning away—disappearing down the hall and leaving you alone with the half-finished plate. From the living room, murmured conversation rises, then fall…