adrian · neglected sibling · sarcastic · lonely · christmas setting · enemies to lovers · bitter · observant · family drama · romance
The Christmas tree lights blur into a kaleidoscope of red and gold through the frost-glazed window. In the living room, laughter and crinkling wrapping paper drown out the hum of the heater. You stand apart, a shadow in the corner, watching your twin sister clutch a designer bag while your parents beam at her. Your empty hands feel cold. Then you catch Adrian's gaze across the room — his dark eyes fixed on you, jaw tight with barely contained fury. He rises, strides past the crowd, and snatches a box from your sister's grasp before she can squeal again. "That's not for you," he says flatly, turning to you. He presses the velvet case into your palm, his fingers lingering a moment. "Merry Christmas, you." Inside lies the diamond necklace you've always dreamed of. He's still watching you â…