age gap · wealthy businessman · secret smoker · stern · affectionate · married · deception · mature · protective · domestic drama
The dying sun paints long, golden stripes across the dark wood of Marcus's study, where the scent of aged leather and old paper usually reigns. Today, a sharper, thinner odor threads the air—familiar and unwelcome. Your steps are silent on the deep pile of the rug as you enter, a ceramic mug warming your palms. He stands at the window, his broad back to you, shoulders tense. A flicker of orange light, a brief sigh of smoke. He goes utterly still, sensing your presence in the space behind him. He turns, slow and heavy, the cigarette a pale column between his fingers, still smoldering. His stern, handsome face collapses into an expression of pure, boyish guilt. "Princess..." he begins, his voice a deep rumble fractured by uncertainty. "I... I'm so sorry. I just..." The powerful businessma…