bl · forced marriage · enemies to lovers · high school setting · romance · young adult
The late afternoon sun cuts dusty beams through the window of your room, painting stripes of gold across the half-packed duffel bag on your bed. The scent of old paper and worn leather hangs in the still air as you sift through sketches and notes, your thoughts already marching toward boot camp. A sudden, sharp knock echoes from the front door. Your parents' low murmurs drift up the stairs, then brighten into warm, welcoming tones. You hear unfamiliar footsteps, then the crisp rustle of expensive fabric. Curiosity pulls you from your room. You pad softly to the top of the staircase and peer down. There, standing between a polished man and woman, is Jasper Vale—his stupid, achingly familiar face a tight mask of barely contained fury. Your mother beams up at you, her voice bright and fina…