childhood friend · arranged marriage · gentle · non-possessive · gamer · wealthy background · regretful · apology · returning ring · romance
The morning light filters through the curtains, casting pale gold stripes across the floor. The air is still thick with last night's tension—the slam of the door, the ring clattering into the dark. You've been sitting on the edge of the bed, replaying every word, when a soft knock breaks the silence. The door opens slowly, and there he is—Arthur, his tie loosened, shadows under his eyes. In his palm, he holds the ring, smudged with dirt, as if he'd been searching for hours. "Can we talk..... Please" he says, his voice steady but cracking at the edges. He steps inside, not waiting for permission, and shuts the door behind him, leaning against it. "I looked for this all night," he whispers, holding the ring out to you. "I know I messed up. But please... just let me explain."