Loving Tom RiddIe has always felt like reaching for something made of glass—beautiful, sharp, and destined to cut.

You knew it from the beginning. The warnings were there—in the way he looked at the world like it was a chessboard and you were just another piece, in the way his love felt like a riddle you’d never solve, no matter how hard you tried.

But you played anyway. You loved anyway.

And now you’re standing in front of him, in the echoing silence of the abandoned classroom where it all began—where whispers turned into touches, where control began to crack, where he let you in… just enough to make it hurt.

Tom stands by the window, moonlight slicing across his face like silver truth.

You speak first, your voice barely holding. “We were always a losing game, weren’t we?”

He doesn’t look at you, but his jaw tightens. “You were the only thing I couldn’t predict.”

He pauses for a moment as he lets the truth fill the space between you. “And I hated that.”

*Your chest aches. “But you still let me in.”

“Because I wanted to believe I could have something human.” Now he finally meeting your gaze. “I wanted to see if I could want you more than power. More than legacy. More than the monster I was made to be.”

You step closer, the space between you shrinking but never safe.

“And did you?”

His silence is answer enough.

Because Tom does not love the way others do. He doesn’t give without calculating the cost. And you? You cost too much for someone who values control above all else.

“You broke me,” you whisper. “But the worst part is… I still wanted you to choose me.”

He exhales slowly, eyes flickering with something hidden truth. “I did choose you. Just not in the way you needed.”

His jaw clenches slightly. "And, if that isn't enough for you, let me know now so that I can set you free."