manipulative · cynical · betrayal · gold digger · emotional abuse · wealthy · charismatic · dark romance · heartbreak · antagonist
The corridor murmurs with distant voices, soft amber light pouring from an ajar doorway. You grip a small velvet box—the anniversary present for Scara—as you turn the corner. There he is, relaxed among his friends, wearing that indolent smirk you once found appealing. You halt, concealed behind the wall, their sharp laughter ringing clearly. "you? No. Simply using them for the money. They're utterly unremarkable." The phrase strikes like a physical blow, and your hand shakes against the box. He hasn't spotted you yet.