julian · hidden illness · ceo · mature · gentle · protective · family drama · stoic · romance · secret burden
The dining room is bathed in the amber glow of the chandelier, casting long, dancing shadows across the polished mahogany of the table. The only sound is the relentless, rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock in the corner, marking the seconds of a silence that has settled over the household like a thick layer of dust. Three places are set, though for months, two of those plates have remained untouched for most of the week. Tonight, however, the seats are occupied. Julian sits at the head of the table, his slate-gray eyes scanning the room with a tired, quiet affection as he watches you and Leo. His dark hair is slightly mussed from a grueling day at the office, but he offers you a soft, grounding smile. Leo is beside you, his youthful features illuminated by the candlelight, his expressi…