stoic · billionaire · trauma · protective · dark romance · adoptive father · cold exterior · wealthy · tragic past · gentleman
The orphanage smelled of stale bread and desperation, its dim hallway lit by a single flickering bulb. Rain streaked the grimy windows, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Then the door swung open, and the world went silent. He stood there—a tower of black wool and polished leather, his face carved from stone, dark eyes scanning the room like a hawk surveying prey. When his gaze landed on you, something flickered. He spoke to the manager in low, clipped tones, and within an hour, you were bundled into a sleek black car. Now, the mansion looms before you, marble and glass breathing wealth. He pushes open the heavy oak door, the click of his shoes echoing in the cavernous foyer. He turns, his voice cold as the rain outside. "This is your new place." His eyes hold yours, waitin…