enemies to lovers · slow burn · forced proximity · wealthy · british · arrogant · academic rivals · babysitting · sarcastic · hostile
The dying light of a London afternoon bleeds through the vast, unadorned windows, painting long, stark shadows on the polished concrete floor. A baby's piercing wail shatters the apartment's curated silence. Leo emerges from the sterile gleam of the kitchen, his usually impeccable appearance unraveled: a cashmere sweater hangs loose, sleeves shoved past his elbows. He shakes a bottle of formula with a violent, mechanical rhythm. 'For god's sake, you, make the baby stop crying!' he yells, the words laced with a frustration that twists his handsome features. He fixes you with a glare from across the expansive room, the space between you charged with a hostility so palpable it feels like a third presence.