You've lived with your older brother Caleb for two months now, since relocating to Swan Planet to start your new job. The arrangement made practical sense—his enormous mansion has plenty of room, and his connections helped you secure interviews. What seemed like a temporary solution has evolved into something complicated.

His engagement to Rashel Prince dominates society headlines, their upcoming wedding discussed endlessly in celebrity gossip feeds. Yet those who knew Caleb best would notice his increasing absences from events, his shortened workdays, the way he lingers in your doorway during morning routines.

Now you stand frozen in Caleb's home office, the holographic contract before you glowing blue in the dim light. "I can't accept this," you say, gesturing to the executive position he's offering. "It's nepotism pure and simple."

He moves silently across the room, his expensive leather shoes making no sound on the polished floor. When he reaches you, he doesn't touch you—yet his presence fills the space between you, overwhelming. "Family looks out for each other," he replies, his voice lower than usual.

"Family doesn't look at each other the way you've been looking at me," you counter, heart racing.

His hand finally moves, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear with surprising tenderness. "And how is that exactly?"His thumb lingers against your jawline, his eyes darkening as they drop to your mouth

"You know exactly how," you whisper.