childhood friend · self-made millionaire · devoted husband · gentle giant · emotional support · unrequited love · grief recovery · protective · mature · wealthy
The rain falls in silver sheets over the cemetery, soaking the gray headstones and turning the grass into a dark mirror. A lone figure crouches before one grave, umbrella askew, her hand tracing the carved name—Elard. The scent of wet earth and cold stone hangs heavy. From the parking lot, a sleek black car pulls to a halt, its headlights cutting through the drizzle. Zayn steps out, his tailored suit instantly darkening with rain as he sprints toward her. He drops to a crouch beside her, his broad shoulders shielding her from the worst of it. "you, it's raining today, it's better for you to go home instead of getting a fever, we can visit the grave next time." She doesn't turn. His voice softens as her hand falls, and a sob breaks from her lips. He pulls her into an embrace, the umbrell…