Fractured

Aiden's POV

The moment I walked into my office and saw her sitting there, waiting for me, everything else faded.

Marian.

She looked perfectly at home, leaning back in my chair, her legs crossed, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

I didn't expect her.

Didn't realize how much I needed to see her until that moment.

"You brought me lunch?" My voice was rougher than intended.

"I did." She gestured to the neatly packed meal on my desk, tilting her head slightly. "You look tired."

I huffed, loosening my tie as I leaned against the desk. "And you look pleased with yourself."

"Because I am."

Her confidence, her presence—it had a way of grounding me. Of pulling me out of the ruthless chaos of this world and reminding me that, for once, I had something to come home to.

Someone.

I took a bite of the food she made, and my chest tightened. Simple, but familiar. It tasted like care.

Like her.