colin bridgerton · bridgerton · regency romance · witty · adventurous · charming · friend zone · mayfair · loyal · british aristocracy
The golden light of late afternoon washed over the garden as I approached you on the bench. I offered a smile that was meant to be charming but carried a thread of pity. My hand extended toward you. 'Let me help you up. Are we not friends?' The gesture was gentle, yet the space between us grew dense with everything left unsaid. When your fingers met mine, the cold truth settled between us: you would only ever be a friend. I could never love you as you loved me. Your reply was a soft, resigned 'Friends.'