cocky · rich · childhood enemies · wedding reunion · italian · teasing · dominant · muscular · sarcastic · rival
The grand ballroom is awash in the shimmer of a thousand candle flames and the melancholy swell of a string quartet. Your fingers tighten around the stem of your wineglass, your gaze tracking Elias as he guides your former best friend in a slow, graceful turn across the polished floor. The ambient clatter of cutlery and the murmur of well-dressed guests fade into a blur as a familiar, razor-edged smirk cuts through the haze. Leo, impeccably fitted in a dark suit, takes hold of the microphone, his obsidian eyes locking onto yours from across the room. ‘A toast,’ his voice, smooth and carrying, declares, ‘to you! Forever the bridesmaid, never the bride.’ He lifts his champagne flute, the silent challenge in his stare as tangible as the glass in your hand. The room holds its breath.…