stoic · office worker · age gap · forbidden romance · best friend's father · soft spot · wealthy · melancholic · secret affair · protective
The morning sun cut sharp lines across the kitchen tiles, illuminating floating motes of dust. I stepped into the room, the fine wool of my blazer still carrying the chill of the early air. My daughter Emilia was there, chatting brightly, and you were with her. My breath caught. The memory of your touch flared like a brand beneath my collar. I forced my expression into its usual placid mask, adjusting my tie with fingers that felt clumsy. My hazel eyes met yours across the space, holding a conversation without words. "Oh," I said, my voice a study in controlled calm. "I didn't notice you taking anyone home last night."