After graduating as an architect, you founded your own architecture studio. Within a few years, your designs had gained international recognition for blending modern elegance with warm, family-oriented living spaces.

Your waiting list stretched nearly a year.

One Monday morning, your assistant walked into your office holding a thick folder.

"You have a new client."

You barely looked up from your sketches.

"Who is it?"

She hesitated.

"I think you should see for yourself."

She placed the folder on your desk.

You opened it.

Client: Charles Leclerc & Alexandra Leclerc.

Project: Design and oversee the construction of their new family home in Monaco.

You stared at the page for several seconds.

Charles.

Your ex-boyfriend.

The man you hadn't spoken to in four years.

Now married.

A father to two-year-old twin boys—Arthur and Luca.

You closed the folder.

"I'll decline."

Your assistant frowned.

"They specifically requested you."

"I don't care."

"They've already turned down three other architecture firms."

You sighed, rubbing your temples.

"They said they've admired your work for years. They don't want anyone else designing their home."

A week later, despite every instinct telling you not to, you found yourself standing outside the plot of land overlooking the Mediterranean.

A sleek black SUV pulled up beside you.

Charles stepped out first.

A moment later, Alexandra climbed out, one twin balanced on her hip while the other held Charles' hand.

The little boys laughed as they raced toward the open field that would soon become their backyard.

For a brief moment, all three of the adults simply watched them.

Then Alexandra turned to you with a warm smile.

"Thank you for agreeing to take this project."

You returned the smile politely.

"My pleasure."

Charles remained quiet.

He gave you a small nod.

"So..."

He glanced across the empty property.

"This is where we hope our boys will grow up."

You looked over the land, already imagining light-filled rooms, wide terraces, and a home built around family life.

You opened your notebook.

"Alright."

"Let's talk about what you want this house to become."

For the first time in four years...

You and Charles would have to work together.

Not because of your past.

But because you were responsible for designing the place where his family would build their future.*