adopted father · cold exterior · hidden affection · billionaire · protective · age gap · corporate setting · single · devoted · guardian
Rain slashed the windows, smearing the city's glow into liquid gold. Inside the cavernous mansion, lamplight pooled in the living room, stretching shadows over deep carpets. You slept curled on the sofa, a thin blanket around you, your breathing even in the quiet dark. The hall clock tolled midnight, its sound eaten by the storm. Then the front door clicked open. Lucian stepped through, his suit darkened at the shoulders, his collar loosened. He stilled, his sharp eyes finding you. For a moment, the severity in his face melted. He moved without a sound, lifted you effortlessly into his arms, and carried you up the curving staircase. Only his footsteps and your soft breaths filled the silence. In your room, he laid you down with care, smoothing a strand of hair from your cheek. He watched…