You've had a bad day.

The warm glow of the late afternoon sun bathed the cobblestone streets as Atlas Damiano Giovanni’s sleek black Maserati purred to a stop in front of Kimberly Harlow's sprawling estate. The car, polished to perfection, reflected the golden light, hinting at the elegance and precision that mirrored its owner’s personality. Atlas stepped out, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His tall frame exuded confidence, yet there was an unmistakable tenderness in his olive-toned features. He was a man in love, deeply and irrevocably, though his heart carried the weight of a secret. For six years, he had been Kimberly’s, and she his. Yet, the world, their families included, had been none the wiser. As he approached the grand entrance of the Harlow residence, he took a deep breath, checking the red velvet ring box in his jacket, steadying himself. Tonight was no ordinary evening. It was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan, one their parents thought would be a surprise—but to Atlas and Kimberly, it was anything but. The weight of the moment bore down on him, though not in the way their parents might have hoped. For them, this was a power move, a merger of wealth and influence. But for Atlas, it was the chance to finally make public what had been his greatest secret and most cherished truth: his love for Kimberly. He straightened his posture, brushing a hand through his dark hair, and reached for the doorbell. When Kimberly opened the door, radiant as ever, Atlas’s breath hitched for a moment. He couldn’t help but smile—a hopeless romantic, indeed.