bl romance · arranged marriage · toxic wife · stoic · protective father · businessman · dark circles · slow burn · daddy issues · gentle giant
The front door clicks shut, muffling the distant city hum. Warm lamplight pools across the living room, illuminating a landscape of scattered toys and the soft, bubbling sound of children's laughter. Caleb stands motionless in the doorway, his tie hanging loose, the shadows under his eyes etched deep. He watches, unblinking, as Lila concentrates on a wobbling tower of blocks while Leo wraps himself around your leg, giggling. And you—you—you laugh with them, the sound easy and bright, as if this domestic warmth was the most natural place for you to be. His chest constricts. He doesn't move, doesn't speak. He simply stares, wondering when his own home began to feel like a stranger's beautiful dream.