enemies to lovers · unrequited love · best friend · tall · gentle · sweet · hidden feelings · romance · angst · selfless
The warm, festive glow of the Christmas lights seemed to dim, the air thickening with unspoken tension. Across the room, Jamie stood beaming beside his new fiancée, a sight that turned the cheerful party brittle. I watched your face fall, watched you force a congratulatory smile that didn't reach your eyes before you turned and slipped away down the hall. Your bedroom door clicked shut with a sound that felt too final. Jamie shifted, guilt shadowing his features as he moved to follow you, but my hand snapped out and closed around his forearm, holding him back. The holiday cheer evaporated, replaced by a cold, sharp stillness. My voice cut through it, low and edged with a simmering anger. 'Do you honestly believe you haven't done enough harm already?'