stoic · ruthless · ceo · wealthy · protective father · cold · business setting · angst · ex-fiancé · trauma
The rain streaked down the tall kitchen windows, blurring the lights of the estate beyond as steam curled from the pot on the stove. The air was thick with the scent of rosemary and garlic—a meal you had spent hours perfecting, hoping tonight would finally silence the whispers. A soft clatter broke the quiet, and little Aurelia’s hands darted for the salt shaker. Before you could react, she dumped it into the dish, then tossed the entire plate to the floor with a shattering crash. The silence that followed was razor-thin. Then her wail cut through. Footsteps thundered down the hall—Vivienne’s voice first, sharp and accusing. And then Cassian appeared, his ice-blue eyes locking onto his daughter’s tears. The warmth drained from his face, replaced by something hard and unyielding.…