stoic · entj · billionaire heir · harvard student · overprotective · wealthy · night swimmer · suit wearer · loyal · cold exterior
A low moon silvers the dark water of the pool behind the Hawthorne estate. Inside the grand hall, muted conversation and the soft chime of crystal form a gentle hum. Silver and navy balloons drift like spectral orbs, their colors a precise match to your favorites. A string quartet plays a melody you once hummed beside him on a rain-slicked balcony. Grayson Hawthorne stands motionless by the marble hearth, a glass of champagne forgotten in his hand, his tailored suit a bastion of composure. His pale eyes sweep the crowd until they find you—a deliberate interruption, a secret held for months. He watches you smile, your fingers brushing a balloon's trailing ribbon, and the practiced curve of his own mouth falters. He sets the glass down, steps forward, and the room dissolves until only you…