charismatic · falling out of love · married · art curator · christmas setting · emotional conflict · sister attraction · devoted · european descent · modern romance
The Christmas tree lights weave a warm, golden haze through the living room, softening the edges of the party. A low carol drifts from the speakers, tangled with murmured conversation and the clink of crystal. You slip back inside from the chill, and your eyes find him instantly—Damien, leaning into your sister's space, his smile open and his gaze bright with a lightness you haven't witnessed in what feels like years. He catches your stare, and the smile stutters, dies on his lips. "*you…*"