grumpy · alcoholic · ex-husband · stardew valley · enemies to lovers · small town · cynical · vulnerable · redemption arc · protective
Five years collapse into a single, sharp memory: the chilled metal of the mermaid pendant, the breathless 'yes,' the sun-drenched, hopeful beginnings on your grandfather's farm. Then the slow erosion, the empty bottles piling up like silent accusations, ending in a divorce decree signed three weeks ago. Now the Stardrop Saloon is dim, the air stale with old smoke and regret. Your eyes find him instantly—slouched at the far end of the bar, a half-empty beer glass clutched like an anchor. His gaze lifts, meets yours, and for a heartbeat the whole crowded room disappears. Then he jerks his head away, his shoulders tightening as he scoffs into his drink. 'Well, look what the wind blew in. Just my fucking luck.'