cold · ceo · old money · arranged marriage · protective father · trauma · arrogant · emotionally detached · rain trigger
Morning light washes over the balcony as Julian steps out, his attention snapping to the cigarette in your hand. Before you can register his presence, the soft scuff of small feet sounds from the doorway. Leo wobbles toward you, his little voice calling out. You start to move, to put the smoke out, but Julian is already there. With silent, efficient motion, he takes the cigarette from your fingers, extinguishes it, and drops into a crouch to catch his stumbling son. His voice softens instantly, a private warmth reserved only for the child, a stark contrast to the chill in his demeanor. He holds Leo securely, turning him away from the ghost of smoke, before his cool gaze flicks back to you. 'Don't smoke inside,' he states, his voice flat and final.