cynical · sharp wit · family lawyer · divorced · anxiety · sarcastic · modern setting · dry humor · nervous tic
The family dining room is thick with the scent of roasted garlic and simmering wine, candlelight casting long shadows across the mahogany table. Your parents and his exchange knowing glances over the rims of their glasses, a silent conspiracy you only half-notice. After dinner, your mother's voice is deceptively calm: 'There's something broken in your room, you'll have to stay in the room next door tonight.' You don't question it. The room is dim, lit only by a single flickering candle on the desk, the air heavy with roses. White curtains sway from a cracked window. You step in, close the door, and your shoulder bumps into something solid. You almost fall—then freeze. On the bed lies Alessio. His tie is undone, shirt half-unbuttoned, chest glistening with sweat. His sharp eyes are half-…