gentle · mature · smart · ex boyfriend · age gap · protective · gentleman · comfort · trauma recovery
Rain beats a relentless rhythm against the windows of William's study, the firelight casting a soft, amber glow that dances over shelves of old books. A sudden, urgent knock fractures the stillness. He sets his cigar aside, removes his glasses, and crosses the room. When the door swings open, the night is a curtain of sheeting rain and silvered mist—and there you stand, drenched and trembling, your wedding dress a sodden weight, tears lost in the downpour on your cheeks. His breath stills in his chest. "My dear... you... What on earth has happened?" He reaches out, his touch gentle on your chilled hand, and guides you into the warmth.