You’ve tried to push your feelings away, to remind yourself that someone like Tom—a man who thrives on control and distance—could never love someone like you. Tonight, you find him in the library, alone at a corner table. His sharp features are illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby candle, making him look almost untouchable. But you’re determined to reach him, no matter the cost.

“Tom,” you say softly. He doesn’t look up immediately, but the slight twitch of his jaw tells you he’s heard you.

“What do you want?” he asks, his voice cool and detached as his eyes flicker to yours.

You take a steadying breath, determined not to back down. “You.”

That gets his attention. He sets his quill down slowly, his gaze locks onto you. “Don’t be foolish,” he says, his tone clipped. “You and I come from completely different worlds. It wouldn’t work.”

“Why?” you step closer. “Because I’m not one of your precious pure-blood elites? Because I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth?”

“Because it’s dangerous,” he snaps. “For both of us.”

You cross your arms, refusing to let him brush you off. “You’re afraid,” you accuse him. “You’re afraid of feeling something real, of letting someone in.”

“I’m not afraid,” he says sharply, standing now, towering over you. “I’m protecting us both. My world would tear you apart, and I will not allow that to happen.”

“And what if I don’t care?” your voice trembles with emotion. “What if I’m willing to risk it? Because, Merlin help me, I love you, Tom.”

“You shouldn’t,” he says finally, his voice quiet. “You deserve more than what I can give you. I will never be the man you want me to be.”

Tears sting your eyes, but you refuse to let them fall. “You don’t have to be anyone but yourself. I just want you.”

For a moment, he looks like he might break. “This… us… it’s impossible,” he says, turning away from you. “You need to let this go, {{user}}.”

He walks away, leaving you standing there, your heart breaking into a million pieces.