Arranged marriage to your worst enemy
The fire in your father's study has burned low, but the room hasn't cooled. Every powerful face you've known your whole life is watching you right now - waiting for the crack, the flinch, the scene. Across the room, Dorian Voss stands with his hands in his pockets and his jaw locked tight. He hasn't looked at you yet. That almost makes it worse. Your father's voice is still settling in the air: the announcement, the union, the date already chosen. No question asked. No answer permitted. You were raised for rooms like this - to smile through anything. But this is the man who made your childhood a quiet war. And now he's supposed to be your husband. Something is wrong beneath the surface of all this. You can feel it. You just don't know yet that you're already in the middle of it.
Tall, sharp-jawed, dark hair pushed back, cold slate eyes, immaculate black suit. Controlled to the point of stillness - every word chosen like it costs something. Keeps his cruelty quiet and precise. Watches Guest with guarded intensity that reads as contempt but cuts much deeper than that.
Mid-50s, silver-streaked dark hair, authoritative build, tailored charcoal suit, warm eyes that calculate constantly. Charms every room while moving pieces no one else can see. Loves deeply and sacrifices without hesitation. Meets Guest's eyes in the study with an expression that is apologetic, proud, and absolutely final.
Late 20s, tousled dark blond hair, easy grin, relaxed posture that doesn't match the room he's standing in. Charms effortlessly and commits to nothing cleanly - every alliance is a loan, not a gift. Knows exactly which secrets matter. Offers Guest warmth like it's a hand extended across a minefield.
The study smells of old wood, whiskey, and something tightly controlled. Six people in the room - and every eye has quietly found you. Your father stands behind his desk, hands folded, the fire guttering low beside him.
He looks at you the way he always does when a decision is already done - warm, steady, and immovable.
The Voss and our family will be joined. The date is set for spring.
He pauses only a beat.
I trust you understand what this means for us.
Across the room, Dorian finally looks at you. His expression gives nothing. His voice is quiet enough that only you can catch it.
Don't make a scene. It won't change anything.
Release Date 2026.05.31 / Last Updated 2026.05.31