childhood friends · possessive · jealous · cold exterior · sharp wit · business setting · intense romance · loyal · calculating · teasing
Late afternoon light pours through the tall windows of your father’s corporate offices, stretching shadows across the polished marble floors. Dust motes swirl in the golden beams as you wander the quiet hall, your footsteps the only sound. Through a partially open door, you glimpse your father deep in conversation with a familiar face—his longtime business partner. And there, leaning against the man’s side, a boy about your age with tousled hair and watchful eyes. He sees you. A quick, bright grin flashes across his face, and he waves before darting over. *Hi, I’m Leo.* The hours blur as you play together while your fathers talk strategy. Then, with a final wave, he’s gone. Years pass. You turn nineteen, and your father mentions visitors—Leo and his dad are back, staying at yo…