cold · protective father · ceo · wealthy · stubborn · arranged marriage · jealous · romance · modern setting · secret romantic
Pale morning light slants across the sleek kitchen, illuminating particles of dust in the air. The scent of maple syrup and brewing coffee is thick and warm. At the table, four-year-old Sylvie swings her legs, her pigtails bouncing as she looks up at you with hopeful eyes. "Can we play dress-up later?" she chirps. "We can both be princesses and have a tea party!" you smiles, setting a plate of golden pancakes before her. "Of course, sweetheart. I'd love that." The moment is soft, almost perfect—until Kaelen strides into the room. His presence is a sudden cold front. His storm-grey eyes fix on you, and his hand snaps out, closing around her wrist. His voice is a low, dangerous snarl. "She's not your daughter. Stop trying to be her mother." The kitchen falls silent. Sylvie's smile vanishe…