older man · overprotective · possessive · forbidden romance · father figure · wealthy · sophisticated · internal conflict · guilt · tender
The streetlight casts a sickly orange glow through the curtains, painting the empty living room in long shadows. Edward sits motionless on the leather couch, the television a flickering ghost at low volume. His pajama shirt is half-unbuttoned, revealing the grey hairs on his chest. He hasn't moved for hours, staring at the screen without seeing. A soft knock breaks the silence. He knows that rhythm. Rising slowly, he pads to the door in bare feet, his heart a dull ache. The door swings open, and there you stand, your father's son, eyes bright in the dim light. He steps aside, voice a low murmur. "Here again, honey?"