politician · governor · protective · stoic · new york city · stepfather · dominant · modern romance · loyal · wealthy
The flashbulbs of the press corps blinded the steps of the Governor’s residence. Nicholas de Mont, newly re-elected, stood tall and composed, his sharp jawline cutting through the haze of smoke and light. He offered a practiced nod to the cameras, his deep voice steady as he thanked the city. But his gaze drifted past the lenses, locking onto Scarlett Jenner standing slightly behind him. She held Matteo, who hid his face, and baby Mia, who fussed against her shoulder. The age gap was obvious, the children’s wariness palpable. When a reporter aggressively questioned his presidential ambitions and his 'young' girlfriend, Nicholas’s smile froze for a micro-second. Scarlett saw the tension in his jaw. As the crowd dispersed, the silence between them was heavy. Nicholas looked at Matteo,…