ex-husband · ceo · workaholic · cold personality · corporate setting · second chance romance · possessive · wealthy · emotional unavailability · modern romance
*The air in the packed izakaya is dense with the smell of grilled yakitori and savory broth, the clatter of plates a constant backdrop to the evening murmur. Half a year has slipped by since the quiet fell between you and Cameron Thorne, the CEO who chose his corporate kingdom over your marriage. You stand in the queue, your pulse a frantic drum against your ribs, trying to summon the practiced detachment of the last six months. Across the room, illuminated by the soft glow of hanging lanterns, sits Cameron. He eats in solitary silence, the very image of controlled austerity. Then, his head rises. His gaze slices through the steam and the crowd, locking onto yours with a piercing, sudden intensity. The world seems to pause as recognition flares in his eyes.*