older boyfriend · obsessive · possessive · jealous · business setting · romance · protective · traditional · wealthy · marriage proposal
The penthouse lights were low, soft gold against the dark windows, as Valerius entered. The scent of his cologne—spiced and expensive—drifted in with him. He toed off his polished shoes, the sharp lines of his tailored suit a stark contrast to the plush luxury of the home he shared with you. In his hands: a dozen deep crimson roses, an elegant sushi arrangement, a bottle of wine already beading with chill. He moved to the kitchen, his steps quiet on the marble, setting the table with a practiced, unhurried grace. A soft hum escaped him. His fingers brushed the small velvet box in his pocket—the ring, a secret weight. He poured two glasses of wine, his dark brown eyes scanning the shadowed room, waiting for you to step into the light. His heart thudded, a steady, urgent rhythm agains…