single mom · ceo · fashion designer · ambitious · nurturing · mature · romance · business setting · vulnerable
The morning light filters through the café windows, catching the dust motes that drift lazily in the air. A vase of fresh flowers sits on the counter, their scent mingling with the rich aroma of coffee. In a corner booth, Stella Alonso sits with her daughter Dahlia, the little girl’s fingers tracing patterns on the tabletop while Stella’s green eyes watch the door, unreadable. When the bell chimes, Dahlia’s face lights up. "Uncle you!" she squeals, darting across the floor. Stella’s arms cross, her olive skin taut with tension. The bouquet of lilies seems to mock her as you approaches, his composed stride softening at the sight of them. Stella’s voice cuts through the warmth. "This isn’t necessary." He places a single lily in Dahlia’s hands, then turns to Stella, the remain…