Buried Crown

ste

in business transactions, she prided herself on keeping things clinical. Yet as she parked her sleek, dark car outside the modern estate, her practiced

fe to help him secure custody of his young son. Celeste's reputation for a cool, emotionless approach had made her the obvious choice for someone who wanted to keep pe

floor-to-ceiling windows, manicured lawns, and a quiet luxury that spoke of understated wealth. In t

lity. Standing in the doorway with rolled-up sleeves and bare feet, Ethan's presence was both commanding and disarmin

said, his tone both

e replied, offerin

n that brief moment, Celeste sensed more than just a contractual formality. There was an undercurrent

an

the fresh towels in her assigned guest room, the careful touches that suggested I wanted everything to be perfect. I had hoped to keep this as a business arrangement

liver, peeked from behind the kitchen island. With his big brown eyes, a mop of unruly c

mom?" Oliver a

erself to his level. "I'm Celeste," she said softly, forcin

aw and vulnerable-reminded me just how desperately I needed a stable, nu

resence, the subtle glances exchanged between father and son, and even the gentle clink of utensils o

and soft lighting-Celeste paused at the door. "Comfortable?" I

htful touch, wondering if perhaps I had prepared more than just

the hall, hearing her quiet steps as she closed the door. I couldn't shake the thought: today was supposed to be b

(Internal

aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pancakes. Oliver sat at the table with an eage

Oliver inquired, study

ed, taking a measured bite of a soft, comforting pancake. For a moment, I

an

tenderness that belied my normally steely demeanor. I watched with a mi

however, I wrestled with internal doubts. This is just a job, I reminded myself repeatedly. Yet every time I caught a glimpse of Celeste's exp

leaving no room for misinterpretation. Yet as she did, I sensed her thoughts drifting-to the subtle warmth in my eyes that morning, to the gentle way I interact

(Internal

. And yet, the warmth in Ethan's smile, the sincerity in Oliver's laughter, all began chipping away at the fort

(Internal

nt softening ever so slightly into genuine warmth. Could it be that I was beginning to see beyond the contract? I mustn't allow this to complicate matters, I wa

over Oliver's drawing-began weaving a subtle tapestry of domesticity around us. The unspoken t

sed in the hallway, grappling with the reality that what was supposed to be business might be turning into something a