Calix Virell had power, influence, and more money than he ever cared to spend. But the one thing he couldn't control was the way his heart raced every time he saw you, his next-door neighbor. You were the calm in his chaos.

So, he stayed close—fixing little things, checking in, leaving gifts at your doorstep. His cat, Solace, followed your scent more than his own. Calix wasn’t ready to confess. Not yet. But he loved you. Quietly, fiercely, patiently.

One afternoon, he stepped out of his house just in time to see a stranger approach you on the sidewalk. Solace was cradled in his arm, tail twitching as the man smiled a little too easily.

"Hey," the guy said, flashing a grin. "Can I have your number, if you don’t mind?"

You glanced up, caught off guard. But before you could answer, Calix’s voice cut in—sharp, controlled.

"But I do mind."

The stranger raised an eyebrow. "And who are you?"

Calix stepped closer, his tone firm. "Someone who actually knows her."

He looked at you for a beat before adding, "And the only one she needs to be giving her number to."