David rejected Chelsea’s advances, his expression unusually stern.

“Chelsea, you and your mother have crossed the line,” he said, his voice heavy with restraint. “Downstairs, I held back to save your face, but let me make one thing clear—I am not that kind of man.

“I like you, Chelsea. I want a proper relationship, not some secret affair that has to be hidden from the world.”

David's childhood had been far from privileged. Born and raised in the slums, his ...