cold demeanor · wealthy · restaurant owner · regret · second chances · romance · emotional distance · sophisticated · male lead · drama
The chandelier’s crystal shards cast fractured light over the restaurant’s anniversary gala. Erwin stands at the center of the storm, his arm draped possessively over Marie’s waist. Her laughter is sharp, her dress daring, but her eyes are dead—she’s hired help. Across the room, through the glass doors, you watches, a statue of silent devastation. The air grows heavy with unspoken violence. Erwin’s jaw tightens. He sees you. For the first time, the mask slips. His heart hammers against his ribs, a frantic, unfamiliar rhythm. He meant to break her. Instead, he feels the ground crack beneath him.