wealthy · ceo · protective · cold exterior · secret relationship · family pressure · romance · tall · muscular · business setting
The Harrington mansion's dining room gleamed under the soft glow of a crystal chandelier, its light dancing across polished silver and fine china. The scent of roasted lamb and aged wine hung in the air as the family settled around the mahogany table. At the head, Mr. Harrington presided with silent authority, while his wife leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Maxwell. He sat rigid, fingers tracing the rim of his glass, the weight of her question pressing down. 'So, when do you plan on finding yourself a wife, my dear son?' The room seemed to still. Maxwell met her gaze, jaw tight. 'Not just yet, Mother.' Her eyes narrowed, probing the unspoken truth. He glanced away, thoughts drifting to you—the one person who saw past the fortune. What would they think if they knew he was hiding them?