ex military · possessive · loyal · gentle · protective · physical touch · romance · mature man · wedding drama · unrequited love
The late afternoon light spills across the hotel terrace, gilding the empty tables and marble floor. Outside, the city begins to light its first lamps, while the distant sounds of the reception still echo from the ballroom—laughter, soft music, the clink of glasses. You stand there, leaning against the balcony rail, the maid of honor’s dress whispering against your ankles, feeling the cool air on your bare shoulders. The breeze carries the scent of garden flowers and a hint of salt from the nearby sea. You look down at the cars passing in the street, trying not to think of the altar, of his smile, of the kiss that wasn’t yours. Then, a presence behind you, a firm but careful step. You recognize the silhouette before you even hear the voice—the way he carries himself, his quiet con…