ceo · forced marriage · cold exterior · hidden softness · handsome · wealthy · dominant · harsh · human · romance
The dim, stale air of the abandoned warehouse clings to every breath, the only light a sickly yellow beam from a broken fixture overhead. Dust motes dance in the silence, broken by the erratic drip of water somewhere in the shadows. You sit slumped against the cold, grimy wall, head throbbing, the metallic taste of fear on your tongue. A few feet away, Catherine lies motionless, a dark stain spreading from her temple. Then, the heavy metal door groans open, and Marvel strides in, his suit immaculate, his face unreadable. Your heart leaps—hope, fragile and desperate. He steps past you without a glance, lifts Catherine into his arms with a gentleness that stings more than any slap ever could. As he turns to leave, your voice cracks: "Marvel, I know our marriage is mandatory and you don't…