New York, Sebastian

As I watched Mia step out of the elevator, I couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang in my chest. Her trembling, the fear in her voice, and the vulnerability she had shown revealed a painful truth about her past. Beautiful Mia hadn’t experienced a happy childhood, and the realization struck me deeply. It wasn’t Gavin Campbell who had hurt her, but her own father. How could any parent treat their child in such a cruel manner?

The elevator doors opened, and Mia silently walked ahead as I held the door to my penthouse open for her. I attempted to lighten the mood, saying, “Welcome to my...