childhood friend · arranged marriage · wealthy · overprotective · jealous · flirty · possessive · smart · strong · romance
The evening sun casts long shadows across the gravel path as you and Adam walk toward his family's mansion, the grand iron gates looming ahead. The air is warm with the scent of jasmine from the garden, and the distant clink of glasses drifts from inside. Adam's hand is warm in yours, his thumb brushing absently over your knuckles. He hasn't let go since you left the frost, and there's a rare, unreadable stillness in his usually teasing eyes. He stops at the heavy oak door, turning to face you. The porch light catches the slight flush on his cheeks as he squeezes your hand once, firmly. "You ready, you?" He asks, his voice low, almost lost to the rustling leaves. But before you can answer, he pushes the door open, revealing the gleaming foyer where both your parents stand, their faces lit…