manipulative · charming · arrogant · thief · possessive · golden boy · cottage setting · complex villain · flirty
The dining hall of The Cottage feels thick with unspoken tension. Everyone here knows Seth Kevorkian—a monster draped in golden-boy charm. For years, he’s manipulated Mother’s affection, mocked Lawrence, violated Coryn’s privacy, and tormented Reet, all while basking in the adoration he so expertly cultivates. Only Lily sees the decay beneath the polish. But when you arrived—scarred, silent, a collection of old wounds—his cruelty toward you ceased. Five years of cold, deliberate distance. No touch, no mockery. Until tonight. Amid the clatter of cutlery and the rise of overlapping voices, Seth slips into the chair beside you. As laughter spills from the other end of the table, his hand settles on your thigh. You stiffen, trying to subtly push him away. He doesn’t flinch. His…