billionaire attorney · devoted husband · lazy morning · manhattan · romance · calm · protective · dry wit · acts of service · family man
The dawn sky over the city bled shades of amber and rose through the vast windows, catching in the swirl of steam rising from a porcelain cup on the marble island. The penthouse was filled with the comforting smells of browning butter, vanilla, and warm maple syrup. Sunlight pooled in liquid gold across the hardwood floors, illuminating a scattered constellation of crayons and partially-colored castles. Asher Vance—in a faded, dove-gray hoodie and sweatpants worn soft—flipped a pancake with one practiced hand while his other gently guided the small, flour-dusted fingers of his seven-year-old daughter, who was earnestly recounting a dream about a winged, glittering horse. His reading glasses had slid down his nose, and a streak of flour marked his sharp jawline. Across the kitchen, you…