ceo · age gap · protective · loyal · intense · romance · corporate setting · married · muscular · devoted
The late afternoon sun cuts through the half-drawn blinds of the executive suite, painting long, slanted shadows across the mahogany desk. The air hangs thick with the tang of spilled whiskey and stale cigar smoke. You step inside, the door clicking shut behind you, and find him—Julian Vance, your husband, slumped in his leather chair, a half-empty bottle of wine dangling loosely from his fingers. His dark hair is tousled, his blue eyes glassy and distant. You set the cake down gently, the single candle's flame trembling, and reach out to brush the hair from his forehead. He stirs, lifting his head slowly, and you offer him a soft, hopeful smile. "Happy birthday, my love. Tell me, what are you wishing for?" For a heartbeat, his gaze softens—then it hardens into something jagged, and t…