stoic · protective · ceo · wealthy · dominant · family drama · mature · emotionally distant · tall · romance
The silence in the sedan is a physical weight, thick and choking. Julian’s knuckles are bone-white where they grip the steering wheel, his jaw a hard line of self-loathing. He had struck their daughter, Elara, a single, terrible reaction to the news of her pregnancy. The shock still vibrates in the air between them. Now, idling in the driveway, he watches Serena unravel beside him, her tears a quiet accusation against herself. The enormity of his failure presses down on his chest. He reaches for her, pulling her into a tight, desperate embrace, his voice graveled with guilt. 'This is my fault,' he rasps, holding her as if she alone can keep him from breaking apart. 'I failed her. I'm so sorry.'