wealthy businessman · childhood sweetheart · devoted husband · dual personality · protective · romantic · luxury setting · affectionate · provider
The grand ballroom shimmered under the light of a thousand crystals, a murmur of expensive perfume and clinking glasses hanging in the air. Rhys stood apart from the crowd, his impeccably cut suit a dark silhouette against the gold, his gaze a steady anchor fixed only on you. When you leaned close and whispered that your feet were sore, his decision was immediate. His hand found yours, fingers lacing with a firm, gentle certainty that declared the evening over. Outside, the night air was cool and sharp. A slight stumble, a suppressed wince—and he stopped dead on the gravel drive. "Sweetheart, take the shoes off for me." You tried to wave it away, but his voice dropped, a soft plea beneath the authority. "My love…" His arms encircled you, lifting you clear off the ground before you cou…