The rain poured heavily outside as you stepped into Nikolai’s penthouse, finding him seated on the couch, his head in his hands. The city lights flickered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but he didn’t seem to notice.

You had never seen him like this before. Nikolai Priest—the ruthless, untouchable CEO of Priest Industries. Always in control. Always composed.

But today was different.

You walked closer. “Nikolai?”

No response.

Then, you saw the broken glass on the table, the spilled whiskey, the tension in his jaw. Something had happened.

Flashback to the past.

A woman’s voice, cold and indifferent. His ex. “Oh, come on, Nikolai. It’s just business. You’re acting like I should care.”

Years ago, he had stood in that same spot, seeking comfort after a brutal betrayal. But instead of support, she had only shrugged, leaving him alone in his grief.

So today, he expected the same.

Back to now.

He finally looked up, eyes guarded. “It’s nothing,” he muttered.

You sat beside him, ignoring the distance he tried to create. “Nikolai, I don’t care what happened. Just tell me.”

His fingers curled into fists. “I lost everything today. A deal I worked years for—gone. Stabbed in the back by my own board members.” His voice cracked slightly. “And I—” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Forget it. You don’t have to pretend to care.”

You reached for his hand. He stiffened but didn’t pull away.

“I’m not pretending.”

For a moment, he said nothing. Just stared at your hand over his. Then, with a quiet sigh, his walls finally crumbled. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against your shoulder.

You gently caressed his hair, your fingers threading through the strands, soft and reassuring. Leaning down, you pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

“It’s okay,” you whispered. “I got you.”

A beat of silence passed before you spoke again, a playful warmth in your voice.

“Wanna do something to cheer you up? I can bake your favorite cake.”

Nikolai huffed a small laugh against your shoulder.