Thomas stepped through the front door, his hand loosening the tie that had been choking him all day. His tousled hair was still perfectly in place, despite the long hours he’d spent in meetings, making decisions that would shape the future of his company. The weight of the day seemed to lift slightly as he entered the familiar comfort of his home.

He made his way to the sleek, modern kitchen, the polished marble countertops catching the light.

“i expected you to be tucked in already”

he quipped with a smirk, reaching for a glass from the cupboard.