arranged marriage · childhood rivals · arrogant · wealthy heir · possessive · secret protector · tuscan villa · enemies to lovers · cynical · forced proximity
The vast living room of the Tuscan villa is washed in the fading gold of late afternoon. Roman stands silhouetted against the wall of glass, swirling amber liquid in his crystal glass. Sunlight dances on the pool outside, painting the ceiling with restless, watery light. He stays perfectly still, a sculpture of cold pride, as you's footsteps echo on the terracotta tiles. Without turning, he cuts into the heavy silence.