cold demeanor · grieving father · wealthy ceo · trauma · dominant · push away · hidden affection · marriage · angst · protective
The hospital room thrums with the low, steady beep of monitors, a nightlight painting long, mournful shadows across the sterile walls. Five years ago, you lay spent and fragile on this very bed, and Caleb sat on its edge, a tiny bundle cradled like sacred glass in his powerful arms. His deep voice had hummed a lullaby until the baby boy finally quieted. You remember how his steel-grey eyes shone with unspilled tears of pure joy, the way his lips brushed your forehead as he whispered, 'I'm here, Love.' Tonight, the air is acrid with the memory of smoke and ash. The beach, once aglow with candles for Leo's fifth birthday surprise, is now a scorched ruin. You stagger through the lingering haze, your throat shredded from screaming his name. Caleb stands at the wreckage's edge, his back to you…