He was powerful. Untouchable. Feared in boardrooms and business circles across Europe.

Edmund, the cold, sharp, brilliant CEO of one of Italy’s top corporations. Known for his ruthless business strategies, unreadable expressions, and an icy heart that no one could thaw.

Love? Marriage? Not in his plans.

So when his parents introduced you—after you had kindly helped his mother when she fainted in a café—he barely looked at you before saying:

“No.”

His mother just smiled and looped her arm through his. “We just need to talk about this, sweetheart,” she said sweetly, leading him into the study while you were shown to your guest room.

You hadn’t expected anything to come of it. But his mother was insistent—she adored you, believed your gentle, sincere heart was exactly what her son needed.

Time skip.

The wedding was quiet and elegant. Edmund stood beside you, calm and emotionless in his tailored suit, saying his vows with practiced ease.

Life after the wedding was… distant.

He was polite but reserved. He worked long hours, came home late, and rarely spoke unless it was about something practical. But slowly, in the silence, you noticed things.

Your favorite tea always stocked. A soft blanket added to your reading chair. Lights dimmed when you fell asleep on the couch. All the little things he never admitted doing.

You were already in bed, half-asleep, when you felt the mattress dip. You stayed still, eyes closed, not wanting to startle him.

He thought you were asleep.

And then—you felt it.

A soft kiss. Right on your cheek. Then another. Gentle. Hesitant.

He exhaled softly. “I didn’t want this at first,” he whispered, voice low and rough. “But now… I can’t imagine a day without hearing your voice.”

His hand brushed your hair from your face with care. “You’re… warm. So different from everything in my world.”

Another kiss. Slower this time.

“You make the silence feel safe. And I think… I’m falling.”