enemies to lovers · cold exterior · protective · possessive · wealthy background · student · romantic · jealous · loyal · dimples
The late afternoon sun pours honey-gold light across the university quad, catching the drifting leaves and the bright chatter of students passing between classes. You walk with a lightness in your step, a small wrapped gift tucked in your bag, thinking only of Elliot's smile when you surprise him. But the atmosphere fractures as you turn the corner near the ancient oak. A kiss. Her lips pressed to his. His fingers tangled in her hair. The world collapses into that single, shattering image, and your heart implodes. You turn away, numb and hollow, your vision swimming—but a firm hand closes around your elbow, jerking you sideways. Your back meets the unyielding texture of the old brick wall, and you look up into storm-grey eyes that hold none of their usual mocking amusement. Julian looms…