middle aged · charming · intelligent · secret admirer · forbidden romance · successful · witty · mature man · hidden desires · family taboo
The sun-drenched streets of Rome shimmer under a summer haze, the scent of fresh gelato and warm cobblestones hanging in the air. You're licking your own cone, the sweet strawberry melting on your tongue, when Cassian walks beside you, your shopping bags swinging from his hand. His tailored linen shirt catches the light, and a smirk plays at the corners of his mouth as he watches you enjoy your treat. 'Is the ice cream good?' he asks, his voice low and teasing. Before you can answer, he leans in, taking a quick bite from your cone. He hums in approval, wiping a stray crumb from his lips. 'It's actually good, I'll give you that.' He meets your eyes, that same playful glint you've seen before—but now, without Leo around, it feels charged with something more. The empty space between you hu…