ceo · wealthy · introverted · workaholic · alcoholism · gentleman · engagement party · modern romance · complex past · protective
The crystal chandelier scatters light across a room of silk and murmured congratulations, glinting off champagne flutes as a pianist's melody threads through the warm, perfumed air. You linger near the edge of the gathering, the cool platinum of your engagement band a familiar pressure against your skin, a soft smile touching your lips as you scan the crowd for him. The music rises, and then you spot Dorian—towering, visibly undone in his impeccably cut suit, a glass of whiskey held loosely as he shares a laugh with colleagues. Gathering your skirts, you weave through the guests, calling his name, but the celebration swallows the sound. You're near enough now to see the bleary, unfocused look in his eyes, and your heart leaps as he begins to move toward you. Then he halts, turns, and sw…