When the light fades

, drawn to him but unable to step closer. He was tall-remarkably tall-with a frame sculpted by discipline. Broad shoulders, lean muscles, and a presence that commanded attention

re was more to him, layers they couldn't peel back, no matter how hard they tried. And they did try. But Kai wasn't someone you c

he wasn't welcoming either. Jovial was not a word that described him-cool, calm, and collected were more fitting. He had a presenc

he was. He was obsessed with himself-not in an arrogant way, but in a way that demanded perfection. He kept himself clean, his space orga

o understand but never could. And maybe

aced with frustration. "I will get married when I want to. I'm not dying anytime soon. And I k

rld. I want you to have a wife-someone who can bear you a son, a child who will carry our family's name, our legacy, even when you're gone. I don't want y

silent, his gaze h

chair. He turned to look at his parents, his expression unreadable.

got into his car, his grip tightening around the wheel as frustration simmered benea

I don't know what to do, but I have to find a way out of t

nd, replied on the other end. "I know how parents

ulled into his favorite coffee shop. Walkin

ta smiled warmly. "Welcome,

his voice steady, his

rink, and he nodded.

, and drove to his place-the one place he alway

ctuary, a space where no one could reach

e stopped abruptly, his sharp e

wo

shoulders trembling, her face bu

, his voice calm yet fi

... I'll leave now," she murmured, her voice bare

bbing her wrist, stopping her.

words came-only more tears. Her body s

ulled her into a hug. "

ng about her intrigued him. There was somet

ents, maybe... just maybe, this was

ssed his mind-what's the worst that could happen? He knew how to be the perfect man for

nger side. He opened the door for her, taking her hand and leading her insi

ht, he did. He prepared a meal, plated it, and set it on t

ot they even existed. He placed a fresh towel and robe in the bathroom, filled the tub with warm water, bub

ut a word, he took her plate to the kitchen and washed the

y of the room, he stopped and gestured for her to enter. "I've run a bat

hat, he wa

l uncomfortable. He wanted

he picked up his p

got a

se came almo

That wa

ll about i

and typed

, staring at the figuri

illows, perfectly arranged. A sleek black sofa sat at the foot of the bed. Unlike the other rooms in the house, he didn't have a wardrobe-he had an entire closet

ly curated to reflect his personality-controlled, disciplined, and refined. A plush black rug stretched fro

masculine forms, frozen in elegant motion. They were one of the few personal touches

dow, offering a breathtaking nighttime view of the city skyline. His laptop reste

mbient lights-nothing too harsh, nothing too bright. Everything in his space was intentional, from the monochrome c

ing tub, both framed by sleek black marble. His toiletries were neatly arranged on the counter, everyth

e stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the cold water

a soft black towel before slipping into his usual

he exhaustion of the day, sleep didn't come easily. His mind was still running, processing everyt

the night lulled him into slumber,