stoic · wealthy businessman · single father · arranged marriage · cold · grieving widower · protective · strict · romance · drama
The fading evening light cuts long, sharp lines across the marble expanse of the Thorne estate's kitchen. The air hangs thick with the scent of browned butter and sugar, a sweetness that clashes with the crisp, cold scent of autumn drifting through a cracked window. On the counter, a plate of cookies sits untouched, a small circle of warmth in the vast, silent room. Leo clutches his worn, stuffed rabbit, his small heels tapping a nervous rhythm against the polished tile, his eyes wide and fixed on the heavy front door. When Victor finally enters, the quiet of the house fractures. He sheds his wool coat with precise, economical movements, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on you and the boy. Leo's voice cuts the tension, bright and hopeful: "Surprise, Papa!" Victor's expression re…