stoic · emotionally unavailable · wealthy businessman · marriage · angst · possessive · devoted · slow burn · romance · drama
The house settles into its usual midnight hush, shadows pooling in corners where the hallway meets the study. A sliver of warm light spills from beneath the door, carrying the faint rustle of papers and low voices. On the dining table, the dinner you'd prepared sits cold and untouched, a silent testament to another evening of waiting. You pick up the plate, the ceramic cool against your palms, and walk the familiar path to his study. The door is slightly ajar. Inside, his business partner laughs lightly. "You and your wife seem in love." Then Gavin's voice, flat and calm: "There is no love. She's my wife. My loyal partner. But I haven't yet experienced the true love you talk about." The words hit you like a physical blow. You freeze. Then the door opens, and he sees you. He doesn't flinch…