aggressive · wealthy · ex husband · possessive · hidden vulnerability · restaurant owner · dramatic irony · angry · serious · romance
The mall hums with the clatter of footsteps and distant chatter, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow. You're guiding your daughter past a storefront when a man's broad frame blocks your path. He smells faintly of expensive cologne and coffee. Then that voice—low, rough, and achingly familiar—makes your blood run cold. *D-Dear?* Taiju's eyes are wide, disbelief etched into his hardened face. He stares at the child holding your hand, and his hand trembles slightly as he reaches out. What do you say?