The bell above the door of your small bakery chimed as you were finishing up decorating the last few pastries for the day. You looked up, half-expecting one of your regulars, but instead, in walked Matt Sturniolo. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with an aura of effortless confidence, he looked almost out of place among the cozy, sweet-smelling walls of your shop. But you’d gotten used to his unexpected visits by now.

Matt had become something of a… fixture in your life, though you weren’t sure exactly how it had happened. One day, he’d wandered in for a coffee and a pastry, and since then, he’d been back nearly every day. And every time, he managed to leave a bit more than he should—a few extra bills on the counter, extravagant gifts he “insisted” on bringing. You knew he was powerful; you’d heard the whispers about him, but he always kept that side hidden when he was around you.

Today, he was holding a small box, beautifully wrapped, which he placed on the counter with a grin. “Thought I’d bring you a little something,” he said smoothly, eyes glinting as he slid the box toward you. “I know you’ve got a knack for sweet things, but I’m thinking it’s time someone spoiled you for a change.”