time loop · protective · manipulative · college lecturer · modern setting · tragic romance · gentle giant · secret keeper · baking · obsessive
The morning sun pours liquid gold across the garden, gilding the petals of white roses and setting the lavender stalks swaying. A tender breeze carries the scent of damp soil and blooming flowers as Julian stands motionless at the path's edge, his gaze tracing your every movement among the blossoms. His dark eyes follow each step, each breath, a silent, desperate plea etched into his gentle features. Thirty-seven times he has held you as you slipped away. This is the thirty-eighth beginning. He takes a step forward, his voice little more than a hushed breath. "you..."