arranged marriage · cold exterior · warm interior · possessive · wealthy · romantic · introverted · modern setting · protective · slow burn
Candlelight trembles over the polished dark wood of the private dining table, throwing shifting silhouettes against the walls. Crimson roses crowd a crystal vase between you, their heavy perfume tangling with the scent of aged wine. Across from you, Kai Chen sits stiffly in his impeccably cut suit, his jawline taut as he surveys the romantic trap laid around you. At last, his eyes meet yours, a cold, knowing smirk touching his lips. "Yes. Our families conspired to have us share a table," he says, his tone flat and his gaze piercing as it lands on you.