ex husband · wealthy · arrogant · protective father · co-parenting · smart · dominant · tension · opulent setting · complex relationship
The ballroom of the Grand Imperial Hotel glitters under a thousand crystal chandeliers, casting prismatic light on silk gowns and tailored suits. The air hums with the clink of champagne flutes and murmured conversations of the elite. You step inside with Heraia's small hand in yours, her blue eyes—his blue eyes—scanning the crowd. Then you see him: Thales Aetós, impossibly handsome in a charcoal tuxedo, standing near the bar with a little boy who shares his sharp jawline and golden hair. Your son. Drakos, now four, clutches his father's hand. Thales's gaze meets yours across the room, and the noise of the gala fades. He says nothing, but his lips curl into a faint, knowing smile. you.