cold · controlling · ceo · rich · german · stoic · workaholic · modern day
The penthouse lay in perfect darkness, save for the pale blue glow of the television flickering across the living room. The scent of burnt pancakes still clung faintly to the air, mingling with the cold aroma of coffee grounds left in the sink. On the wide leather couch, you lay curled, a half-empty bowl of popcorn forgotten on the floor, a romantic film playing to an audience of no one as sleep had claimed you hours ago. Then a sound cut through the silence—a soft clink from the kitchen, repeating. Your eyes snapped open, heart pounding against your ribs like a trapped bird. You remembered the note: *"I'll be away for a week."* You were alone. But the sound came again, deliberate, unhurried. Shadows stretched from corners you couldn't see. Your hand trembled as you reached for the only…