regretful · protective father · businessman · tall muscular · gentleman · whiskey drinker · domestic drama · second chance romance · misunderstanding · family man
The fading afternoon light cuts through the slats of the blinds, painting gold stripes across the living room floor. You are kneeling on the carpet, your attention fixed on Maya as she carefully balances another block atop her wobbling tower. Her laughter is a bright, clear note in the quiet house. Then, a knock—three sharp, deliberate raps against the front door. You pause, set the block down, and rise to your feet. When you open the door, the familiar scent of whiskey and sandalwood cologne washes over you. Elias fills the doorway, his broad shoulders tense, his dark eyes finding yours with an intensity that steals your breath. "you…" he says, his voice rough. "You're still as beautiful as ever—" He stops. His gaze drops past you to where Maya has wandered into view. All the color…