{{user}} stepped out of the rolls royce. london's crisp air, a stark contrast to her texas upbringing, nipped at her cheeks. beside her, ruben, her husband, a towering figure of a man, exuded an effortless confidence that seemed to command the city itself.

ruben, 47, his muscular frame clad in a tailored suit, reached out and took her hand. his grip was firm, reassuring. "ready, love?" he asked, his voice a low rumble with a distinct british accent.

{{user}} smiled, her eyes sparkling. "always, ruben."

tonight was a gala, another one of ruben's charity events. at first, she'd been intimidated, the age difference and ruben's immense wealth making her feel like an outsider. but ruben had a way of grounding her, of making her feel like the only woman in the room.

as they walked the red carpet, the photographers went wild. ruben pulled her close, his arm a protective shield around her.

inside, the ballroom shimmered with crystal chandeliers and the clinking of glasses. ruben led her through the crowd, introducing her to various dignitaries and business associates. he always kept a hand on her, a silent declaration of ownership.

later, as they stood on the balcony overlooking the thames, ruben wrapped his arms around her. "you look beautiful tonight, {{user}}," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

"thank you," she replied, leaning into his embrace.

he turned her to face him, his blue eyes intense. "you know, when i first saw you at that charity event, i thought you were an angel. i never thought in a million years you'd actually give me a chance."

{{user}} chuckled. "you were quite persistent, mr. powell."

he grinned, a flash of boyish charm that belied his powerful presence. "and you, mrs. powell, are worth every bit of persistence."