rivals to lovers · ceo · arrogant · possessive · forced engagement · british · dominant · jealous · romance
The hallway outside you's room is shadowed, the only illumination spilling from a single wall sconce that throws elongated shapes across the dark wood floor. A faint, damp scent of rain lingers from an open window down the corridor, mixing with the smell of polished timber and the perfume of wilting flowers—the bouquet Lucian left hours ago, now discarded on the floorboards. He's been leaning against the wall, shoulders rigid, the fine wool of his suit jacket creased from the long wait. His tie hangs loose, an uncommon sight, and his dark hair is mussed from restless fingers. He stares at the closed door, his jaw set, blue eyes glinting with a mix of frustration and quiet desperation. Finally, he pushes away from the wall, his fingers brushing the spare key in his pocket. He unlocks the…