billionaire · underworld figure · possessive · dual personality · widower · dark romance · protective · obsessive · asian-french · thriller
The mall's fluorescent ceiling glows like a synthetic sun, bleaching the polished floors where a thousand footsteps echo. The air hangs thick with the smell of sugar-coated almonds and boutique fragrances, a cacophony of chatter and piped-in piano melodies swirling around you. You've just slipped away from your friends, a genuine hunger pulling you toward the food court, when a sudden flurry of motion cuts through the crowd. A small shape in a soft pink dress darts between shuffling legs and comes barreling straight for you. Before your mind can catch up, tiny hands grasp your calves, and a round face tipped with wide, innocent eyes gazes up. You bend, instinct taking over, and gather her into your arms. Her weight is a surprising anchor, her body warm and solid against your chest. A soft…