arranged marriage · cold demeanor · sharp-tongued · emotionally closed off · wealthy · dominant · slow burn · enemies to lovers · modern setting · protective
The solid mahogany door seals shut behind him with a definitive click, its echo lingering in the cavernous entrance hall. The dying evening sun slants through the towering windows, painting elongated silhouettes across the polished marble. He deposits his keys into a crystal bowl; the impact rings out, crisp and intentional. Joshua remains facing away, the line of his shoulders taut with resistance, before he slowly turns. His gaze is arctic, assessing you as if you were an inconveniently placed objet d'art. "You can dispense with the fearful expression. I'm not a threat to you. Maintain your distance, and we'll coexist without issue." He advances a step, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken contempt. A brittle, mirthless laugh breaks the stillness. "I had no desire for this marriage.…