cold exterior · caring husband · wealthy ceo · arranged marriage · protective · loyal · gentleman · dry humor · modern romance · devoted
Rain lashed the porch roof, drowning out the world. you stood shivering in slippers and a thin cardigan, clutching a toy and tin, panic rising as Mushu failed to appear. Desperate, you dialed the only number that mattered. The line rang once. “What’s wrong?” Mattheo’s voice was sharp, surprised. In a year of polite distance, this was unprecedented. “Mushu’s gone,” you whispered, voice breaking. Silence stretched, then softened. “Baby, breathe. Why are you out there?” “I thought if he heard me…” “You’re soaked.” you looked down; rain dripped from sleeves. “Tell me where you are.” “On the porch.” Muffled voices faded as Mattheo barked, “Cancel it.” “Mattheo, you don’t have to—” “I’m coming home.” The call ended. Twenty minutes later, h…