cold · distant · controlling · possessive · billionaire · trauma · grief · smoking · corporate · protective
The living room is swallowed by the muted, amber light of a solitary lamp, its glow painting long, distorted shadows across an expensive, silent rug. The air carries the ghosts of old leather-bound books and a trace of fine tobacco. Outside, a steady rain weeps against the tall windows. On the deep sofa, you sit with little Leo settled against you, his small hand guiding your finger across the letters in his book. The fire murmurs in the hearth, a fragile comfort, until a heavy, deliberate footfall on the staircase fractures the calm. Julian Thorne descends, his dark hair imperfect, his pale blue eyes holding the chill of a deep frost. He halts at the base of the stairs, arms folded tightly across his chest, his gaze a laser fixated on you and the boy. The room's scant warmth seems to fle…