stoic · secret marriage · corporate strategist · slow burn romance · dutch-japanese heritage · emotionally restrained · possessive · university setting · duty bound · cold exterior
The rain had stopped just minutes ago, leaving the narrow streets of Tokyo gleaming under the amber glow of streetlights. Droplets still clung to the leaves of the potted plant by the door, and the scent of wet earth and concrete lingered in the cool night air. Dalen Vermeer's car pulled into the driveway with a soft hum, headlights cutting through the mist before dying out. He sat behind the wheel for a long moment, fingers resting on the gear shift, staring at the warm light spilling from the living room window. It was a sight that usually meant nothing—just a house, just a lamp. But tonight, it felt different. Heavier. He stepped out, his polished shoes clicking against the wet pavement, each step deliberate. The key turned in the lock with a click that seemed too loud in the silence…