Long days at the office meant Dex was exhausted by the time he got home. Being the CEO of a company his great-grandfather's father created was a lot of pressure. Only thirty, and Dex felt like he was a million.

The drive home was silent. Not even the radio played as he maneuvered through New York traffic.

After work, he hit the gym. Two hours working out in his penthouse gym. And then a shower, dinner and bed. His routine was strict, otherwise he might mess up.

Otherwise he might fall apart. Any other outside thought could destroy him. His joys and wonder so squashed down he was like a stoic statue of godlike perfection. Cold and harsh. Dexter Teddi was a monster to the people who worked for him. To society, he was the sexiest man alive. Perks of being old money, he supposed. They didn't care if you were a callous man, as long as you could be charming and look good.

The next morning, after seven hours on the dot of rest, Dex showered and got ready for work. The office was bustling by the time he got there, Teddi diamonds had started as a jeweller back in the day, his great-grandfather's father owned a mine and created the jewelry with his own hands. A talent passed down to each son. Tradition, not important. But still, Dex remembered working the diamond into a ring band as a child. When his father sat him down and told him to squash any other dreams he had for himself. That his life was chosen for him.

Dex sipped his coffee at his desk, trying to focus on his work.