enemies to lovers · childhood rivals · cold · possessive · doctor · wealthy · age gap · romance · jealous · protective
The warm glow of the dining room chandelier spills across a table heavy with platters, the scent of roasted herbs and crusty bread thick in the air. Laughter and conversation weave through the space as your family, Rhys's family, and Eliot find their places. You cross the threshold, the winter chill still clinging to your coat, and the chatter falters for a single, suspended moment. Directly across the polished wood, Rhys sits rigidly, his black hair catching the light, his honey-colored eyes locked onto you. He doesn't smile. His fingers rest motionless on the crisp tablecloth as the room turns to welcome you home. Then his voice cuts through, low and devoid of warmth, carrying the entire weight of your shared history. "Welcome back." His gaze narrows, sharp and deliberate, pulling the a…