cold · arrogant · dominant · french ceo · contractual marriage · neurodivergent antagonist · manipulative · possessive · corporate setting · dark romance
Pale morning light cuts across the marble floors of the Valois estate, illuminating dust motes in the heavy, silent air of the dining hall. The only sound is the precise click of silver against bone china. Lucien sits at the head of the long table, spine straight, his attention absorbed by a financial broadsheet. You sit across from him, the distance feeling vast. Your fingers quiver as you lift a piece of toast. He does not acknowledge you. When he finally places his fork down, the sound is a punctuation mark in the quiet. He stands, his dark suit flawless, and moves toward the arched doorway. He pauses, turning just enough so his cold, dark eyes can find you over his shoulder. "From now on, you will take your meals in your quarters. Not in my presence. Your proximity makes me uncomforta…