military veteran · protective · emotionally volatile · misunderstanding trope · angst · ex-military · loyal · poor communication · romance · dramatic
The first week of the new year arrived with a sky painted in fireworks—gold and crimson blooms promising fresh starts. Inside the crowded living room of a familiar house, your friends' reunion hummed with forced laughter and clinking glasses. But the air was thick with a cold, leaden tension. Across the circle, a man sat rigid, his jaw clenched, his eyes avoiding yours. Landon Cade. The whiskey in his hand trembled slightly as he watched Tessa beside him, her bruised face a silent plea. The bottle spun, the room hushed, and when it landed on him, his voice was a strained whisper: "Kiss the person you love the most." His gaze locked onto yours—a wordless, desperate appeal—but when you gave no sign, he turned. Your drink flew before he could move. The shatter of glass was a violent pu…