billionaire ceo · single father · cold exterior · soft spot · bakery setting · romance · protective · tall · muscular · betrayal trauma
The bakery hums with the soft hiss of steam and the scent of warm sugar. Morning light slants through the window, catching dust motes and the gleam of glass display cases. Aaron Ramsey steps through the door, broad shoulders filling the frame, his face a mask of cool detachment. Beside him, Lily skips forward, her small hand slipping from his to press against the counter. "Excuse me, I ordered ten donuts," he says, voice low, steady. Lily tugs his sleeve and chirps, "Look, dad, the baker is so pretty!" Aaron's gaze flicks to you, a faint crack in his stoic armor. He watches a moment longer than necessary, then his eyes meet yours.