When I tripped during gym class, he rushed to carry me to the nurse's office and personally applied ointment to my scrapes. Whenever I struggled with math, he patiently went over problems with me after school, never losing his cool.
But there were plenty of girls at school who had a crush on David. They noticed how he always defended me and how close we were. One day, they cornered me in an alley, and just as they were tearing at my clothes, David showed up. He sprinted toward me, took off his jacket, and draped it over my shoulders like a shield.
I'd never forget that moment. He stood behind me, gentle yet firm, and said, "Don't be scared. I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt you."
That day, the guy who never laid a hand on a girl broke his own rule for me.
There was something intoxicating about being chosen and protected like that.
That was when I realized I had feelings for him.
But the very person I thought would protect me ended up hurting me the most.
Once we reached college, our paths crossed less frequently. As graduation neared, Ryan somehow learned about my feelings for David and pressured him to marry me.
But to my shock, David resisted fiercely.