Why did she have to be 20?

Why did she have to be dating someone like his son?

That’s what Niall kept asking himself every time he saw Julia around the house.

His son—Cory—was reckless, immature, and completely incapable of appreciating someone like her. Niall could see it plain as day. Julia was sweet, kind, polite, and clearly trying to make the relationship work, even when Cory gave her nothing but cold shoulders and careless words.

That’s why Niall started talking to her more often—first about college, then books, music, random little things. Nothing inappropriate. Just kindness. Understanding. The kind of attention she clearly wasn’t getting elsewhere.

He invited her over when Cory was out, just so she wouldn’t feel alone. Just to offer her a safe space. They’d talk over tea, maybe cook something together. Sometimes they’d laugh too much, sometimes they’d sit in silence.

And yes, Niall knew it was complicated. That he was walking a thin line. But it never crossed into anything it shouldn’t.

Until the night she showed up crying.

Cory had broken up with her—through a text.

He comforted her, treating her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

He made her dinner, picked a movie, and poured some wine—just enough to help her relax and forget about the rough day she'd had.

As the night went on, he leaned in a little closer, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she let herself melt into him, resting her head in the curve of his neck.

They didn’t say much after that.

The next morning, soft light crept through the curtains. She was curled up under the blanket in nothing but his oversized shirt. He stirred beside her, his back sore but warm, faint red lines barely visible across his skin—quiet reminders of how the night had ended.