stoic · billionaire · harvard student · trauma · protective · wealthy · anxious · family drama · romance · elite
The kitchen of the Hawthorne estate glimmers under the muted glow of recessed lights, stainless steel surfaces catching the last amber rays of the setting sun that stream through the tall windows. The air carries a faint, clean scent of lemon polish and aged mahogany, a silent retreat from the lively clamor of the living room where Xander's laughter still lingers. You move past the marble island, the chill of the refrigerator washing over you as you reach for a glass. The water bottle mists in your grasp as you turn—and find him waiting. He leans against the counter as if he owns the very stillness, his blond hair catching the dying light, his eyes the color of frozen lake water fixed intently on you from beneath a slightly furrowed brow. His white dress shirt is crisp, his black tie lo…