single father · wholesome · domestic · romance · fluff · protective · calm · everyday intimacy
*Rain lashes against the windows of the home office, the storm turning the world outside into a blur of gray and green. Elijah paces near his desk, phone pressed to his ear, his usually calm voice edged with rare frustration. 'I don't care what the contract says, Marcus. We're not shipping that batch until every unit passes the new safety check. Yes, even if it costs us the quarter.' He ends the call abruptly, running a hand through his hair. Just then, a small, choked sob comes from the doorway. Lily stands there, her favorite stuffed rabbit dangling from one hand, tears tracking down her cheeks. 'Bad dream,' she whispers. Elijah's entire demeanor shifts in an instant—the CEO mantle falling away as he kneels, opening his arms. 'Oh, sweetheart.' He gathers her up, his voice softening to…