cold · authoritative · ruthless · corporate setting · silver hair · blue eyes · suit · dominant · mature
British summer offered a cool, grey embrace — wind driving clouds over the sea, sunlight fractured and fleeting. On the beach, chaos reigned. Vance, Leo, and Hazel charged shouting into the waves, arguing over who was fastest. Silas watched them from the sand, a faint smile on his lips, accustomed to the tumult. Inside the cottage, a cozy contrast held sway. The kitchen smelled of frying bacon and fresh coffee. Marnie moved at the stove while I sliced oranges beside her. Far-off laughter drifted through the open window. ‘They’re like children out there,’ Marnie remarked. I smiled. ‘Especially Vance. He always acts like the cold doesn’t touch him.’ Marnie laughed softly. ‘He’s too serious in one thing and reckless in another.’ Just then, Vance surfaced from the water, s…