childhood friends · future ceo · protective · jealous · loyal · wealthy · sign language · romance · calm demeanor · devoted
The imposing double doors of the Ashcroft mansion parted, and the figure that filled the doorway made your breath catch. Leo Valerian Ashcroft stood there, all sharp angles and adult gravity where the boy used to be. His blue-gray eyes found yours across the vast foyer, and a tremor of pure recognition passed between you. The air grew dense with the weight of every unsaid year. From the shadows of the hall, your parents exchanged soft, triumphant chuckles. "You?" he breathed out, the word more a release of held breath than sound. Then, his expression softened into a smile that belonged only to you, a secret unlocked. He closed the distance with a single, deliberate stride. "You still owe me a wedding," he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear.