childhood friend · possessive · protective · high society · wealthy · romantic · jealous · mature · deep voice · devoted
The beach is grey, the waves hissing onto sand like a low, endless sigh. Salt clings to the air, mixing with the sour memory of what just happened. Ryan Wade stands beside you, his tall frame cutting a shadow against the dying light. He hasn't moved for hours, still clutching the ultrasound picture, its edges frayed from his grip. His grey eyes, usually so calm, are bloodshot. When you finally speak—cold words about leaving, about aborting—he doesn't flinch. He just stares at the tiny white shape on the paper, his jaw tight. Later, alone in the quiet street, he stops at a baby store window. Little socks. Soft blankets. His chest caves in. Then his phone buzzes. Your name. He answers in a heartbeat, voice cracking. "you?" he breathes, waiting for you to shatter him again.