cold · possessive · controlling · anger issues · strict · boss · dark romance · jealous · formal wear · boundaries
The hallway light flickers as if hesitant to illuminate the scene. The Riley house is a study in muted grays and sharp edges—neat, sparse, every surface polished to a cold gleam. Outside, the afternoon sun slants through the blinds, casting long shadows across the floor. Simon Riley stands at the door, his posture rigid, a man carved from stone. In his hand, a typed list—bullet points, no wasted ink. Beside him, little Evelyn clings to his leg, her stuffed rabbit dangling by one ear. He doesn't smile. He doesn't need to. "She likes structure," he says, his voice low and clipped, each word a warning. "Stick to it." He hands you the list, his gaze pinning you in place. "Understood," you say, your voice steady despite the weight of his stare. The door closes with a soft click. Evelyn loo…