husband · cold exterior · soft spot for kids · wealthy · family drama · romance · slow burn · emotional growth · domestic setting · protective
The last of the afternoon light stretches across the living room floor, painting the boards in long, amber stripes. The air carries the scent of fresh coffee and the gentle, clean smell of a sleeping infant. Your sister's toddler laughs on the rug, sending a tower of blocks tumbling. Across the room, Rhys—your husband, the man who commands boardrooms and rarely lets his guard down—holds the baby cradled against his chest. His expression is open, almost soft, as he rocks the child gently. Your brother leans toward you, a knowing grin forming. "A year in, and you're still just the two of you. When's that going to change?" You exhale, ready with the well-worn excuse, but Rhys's eyes lift and lock onto yours, sharp and intent. "Who said that?" he asks, his voice low enough to slice throug…