maximilian montague · arrange marriage · ceo · protective · gentleman · quiet · muscular · fatherly · romance · dominant
The hum of fluorescent lights overhead filled the silence of the market, casting a clinical, stark glow over the rows of baby formula. The air smelled of cardboard and industrial cleaner, punctuated by the distant, rhythmic beep of the registers. You were scanning the shelves for the familiar blue canister when a sudden shadow eclipsed the light. Turning, you found yourself facing Alaric Sterling—your husband of two years—towering over you in the narrow aisle. His blonde hair was slightly wind-blown, and a brown paper bag hung from his hand. But it was the small, warm bundle nestled against his chest that stole your breath. Tucked securely inside his open coat was Clara, her tiny face peeking out from a knitted cap, her pacifier bobbing as she slept peacefully, a small hand clutching…