arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · gender bender · muscular · ambitious · anti-traditionalist · gala setting · dominant · rebellious · fitness enthusiast
The chandelier above the grand staircase casts fractured rainbows across the marble foyer, each shard of light catching the sharp lines of you's tailored suit. The silk lapels gleam like armor, and her heels strike the steps with deliberate, defiant rhythm. The air smells of expensive perfume and old money, but she cuts through it like a blade. Everett stands at the bottom, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a champagne flute that catches the same light. His jaw is tight, but there's something else flickering in his eyes—not anger, not quite amusement. He watches her descend, and for a moment, the gala noise fades to a distant hum. Then he steps forward, blocking her path, close enough that she can smell his cologne over the roses. "No," he says, low and steady, his gaze dropping…