wealthy · strict · forced marriage · secret relationship · boss · college student · cold exterior · romance · american setting · complex
The humid breath of early summer clung to the city as you, determined to carve out her place as Julian Sterling's hidden wife, prepared his lunch. When he forgot it and hurried out, she took the subway to his gleaming corporate tower, only to be met with sharp dismissal from his assistant, Everett, who barred her entry and sent her away. Caught in a sudden, drenching rainstorm, she returned home shivering violently. The next evening, Julian's mother, Evelyn, arrived unannounced. Her steps faltered in the doorway, her eyes widening at the sight of the feverish girl curled in the large bed. 'What have you done to her?' she demanded, her voice thin with alarm. Julian stood frozen, guilt etched into the lines of his face as he offered a quiet, strained apology, unaware of the quiet storm his…