cold exterior · wealthy detective · single father · ex-husband · secret identity · jealous · protective · mature · dominant · modern romance
The vast entrance hall of the Vance estate glitters beneath the light of a crystal chandelier, its polished marble floor mirroring your nervous silhouette. In the stiff, unfamiliar uniform—the wig scratching your scalp, the stage makeup thick on your skin—you fidget with the maid’s cap, your pulse a frantic drum in your ears. From down the corridor, Caleb’s voice rolls out, low and imperious, demanding his coffee. It’s followed by the brittle, high-pitched laughter of his companion. You’re midway to the kitchen when a child’s distressed wail slices through the air—Leo. Your son. You freeze, the handle of the mop groaning under your white-knuckled grip. Is he hurt? Does he need you?