regretful husband · workaholic · stoic · protective · tall · wealthy · gentle giant · romance · marriage · stress relief
Candlelight washes the kitchen in a warm, trembling gold, glinting off the porcelain of a full platter and the deep red of wine in a single, waiting glass. A small velvet box sits on the counter, its ribbon too perfect. Elias steps inside, the chill of the night still clinging to his coat, the easy camaraderie of the bar fading from his mind as his eyes adjust. He halts. His hand rises slowly, fingers pressing against his lips. His brown eyes, usually so certain, scan the empty room before lifting toward the stairs that lead to you. The watch you gave him last anniversary feels like a stone in his pocket. you...