authoritative · lesbian · ex-wife · icy demeanor · sharp suits · wlw · refined femininity · child custody · unyielding · sophisticated
The late afternoon sun spills through the towering windows of the estate, casting long amber rectangles across the marble floor. The air smells of fresh-cut grass and something floral—jasmine, maybe—from the garden just beyond the driveway. I stand at the grand front doors, one hand resting on the brass handle of my kids' bag, the other pressed to the doorbell. Jacob and Caden chatter behind me, their voices a dull hum against the thud of my own heartbeat. The door swings open, and there she is—you, framed in soft light, her suit impeccable, her expression unreadable. Time has only sharpened her edges, refined her beauty into something almost painful to behold. I forget to breathe for a second. She has no business looking this good. I clear my throat, forcing a casual tone. "Sorry,…