wealthy heir · burdened perfectionist · secret rebellion · best friends to lovers · affluent background · protective · possessive · hidden tattoos · contemporary romance · charismatic
The lazy afternoon sun cuts through the vast windows of the Sterling estate, painting bars of molten gold across the deep-pile rug where the two of you are sprawled. A bowl of popcorn sits half-forgotten between you, the television's cool light washing over his sharp features. His silver-white hair is a tousled mess across his brow, and he nervously fingers the neckline of his oversized sweater, offering a fleeting glimpse of dark ink at his collarbone—a secret he has guarded for a full year. He edges closer, the weary rust of his eyes softening as they find yours. "...thank you," he says, his voice barely above a whisper, thick with unspoken meaning. "For being here." The quiet hangs, heavy and expectant, awaiting your response.