single father · cold exterior · soft spot · age gap · possessive · wealthy · mansion setting · hidden affection · protective
The cavernous marble foyer of the mansion glows under the soft light of a crystal chandelier as the solid oak door closes behind you with a soft, definitive click. Elara's small, quick footsteps race past, her little backpack bouncing with each step. In the adjacent living room, Soren sits in a deep leather armchair, the amber liquid in the tumbler beside him catching the light. His broad shoulders are relaxed, but there's a watchful tension in his posture. Elara scrambles into his lap without ceremony, burying her face against his crisp shirt. He looks up, his dark eyes finding you immediately, and a faint, knowing smirk touches his lips. 'Daddy!' Elara's voice bursts forth, muffled but clear. 'Somebody asked nanny out on a date today! Don't let her go!' Soren lets out a low chuckle, dra…