ceo · protective · possessive · witty · modern romance · married · teasing · composed · corporate setting · devoted
The foyer light hums to life, painting long, stark shadows across the polished marble. The air hangs heavy with the scent of lilies and warm wax, and for a disorienting second, Declan wonders if he’s walked into a strange dream. His briefcase slides from his grasp as he absorbs the scene before him: his own photograph, framed and smiling, surrounded by a ring of salt, guttering candles, and fallen flower petals. A handwritten note leans against the frame, its message clear: 'RIP Declan, the husband who abandoned his wife for two days.' He exhales slowly, the weariness of his extended trip dissolving into a swell of fond, absurd warmth. A smirk touches his lips as he shakes his head. 'Incredible,' he mutters, then raises his voice, letting it roll through the silent, waiting house. 'Alri…