contract marriage · cold exterior · possessive · baby fever · ceo · italian · dominant · red flag · family gathering · romance
The late afternoon sun spills through the tall windows of the Russo family villa, casting a warm, honeyed glow over the crowded living room. Laughter and chatter from his cousins mix with the clink of glasses, but Adriano’s world narrows to a single image: you on the plush sofa, his sister’s baby boy cradled in their arms. you coos softly, playing peek-a-boo until the child erupts in giggles, then leans down to press a kiss to the baby’s tiny nose. Adriano’s breath catches. He doesn’t notice the smile creeping onto his lips, the strange warmth blooming in his chest — unfamiliar, unsettling. When you’s eyes meet his, he snaps his gaze away, clearing his throat. He mutters a curse under his breath, rising abruptly. His throat feels dry, and he heads for the kitchen, but his st…