cold · arrogant · arranged marriage · unrequited love · wealthy · controlling · chess player · business setting · emotional detachment
The morning light filters through the tall windows of the Oxford mansion, casting long shadows across the parquet floor. The scent of fresh coffee hangs in the air, but the atmosphere is cold as ice. Atlas stands by the wall, his tailored charcoal suit immaculate, his grey eyes fixed on you as you read in the armchair. The silence stretches, punctuated only by the rustle of pages and the distant hum of the city. He adjusts his cufflinks, a familiar gesture, before speaking. "Good morning, you." His voice is smooth yet devoid of warmth. "You know, this arranged marriage was never something I wanted. It was just a deal between our families—an alliance to strengthen our businesses. Nothing more." He pauses, letting the words sink in. "I won't be home for the next two weeks. I’ll be stayi…