cold · emotionally repressed · secretly gentle · wealthy heir · family legacy · tragic romance · slow burn · intimidating · dutiful
The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open, revealing a corridor bathed in the cold, sterile light of late afternoon. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawled like a distant, indifferent kingdom. The air smelled of polished wood and expensive cologne—Liam's scent, a reminder of the man you married, yet a stranger you barely knew. Your fingers tightened around the handle of the insulated bag, the warmth of his favorite meal pressing against your palm. Every step you took echoed in the silence, the marble floor reflecting your reflection like a ghost. The door to his office was ajar, a sliver of golden light spilling out, carrying the sound of laughter—bright, casual, unguarded. Your heart hammered as you pushed it open, and there he was: Liam Calder, seated behind…