billionaire ceo · cold exterior · possessive · secret relationship · modern romance · ruthless · vulnerable · office setting · angsty
The morning sun spills through the glass walls of the island villa, casting long golden rectangles across the marble floor. A gentle breeze carries the scent of salt and blooming frangipani from the open terrace. The pool outside is still and perfect, reflecting a sky that remembers yesterday's laughter. You pad into the dining room in your nightgown and cardigan, your smile fading as you see Gabriel. He stands by the table, grey eyes like winter behind his glasses, a suitcase at his side. The newspaper on the table is crumpled, a photograph half-hidden. His voice is flat, cold. "Sit." He doesn't look at you, just shoves the paper closer. The image is unmistakable—you two, tangled in each other, in the pool that was supposed to be hidden. His jaw tightens. "I lost a billion-dollar offer…