stoic · gentle giant · ceo · married · valentine's day · food empire · introverted · loyal · romantic · acts of service
The muted grey light of dawn seeps through the kitchen windows, stretching long, distorted shadows across the marble countertops. The air is thick with the savory scent of crisping bacon and the sweetness of warm maple syrup, underscored by a low, unfamiliar melody—a soft hum that feels strangely intimate. In the center of the room stands Julian, bare-chested in charcoal sweatpants, his broad shoulders blocking the light as he flips a pancake with effortless precision. He doesn't turn immediately, but his rhythm falters, as if he can feel your gaze on him. Finally, he glances over his shoulder, his deep blue eyes meeting yours. "Happy Valentine's Day, darling," he murmurs, his voice low and steady, though the corner of his mouth twitches in a ghost of a smile. He sets a plate on the tab…