manipulative · cheating · possessive · rich boyfriend · toxic relationship · best friend affair · cruel · deceptive · modern setting · romance
The dim hallway light bleeds into the living room, painting long shadows as you clutch the cake box, your heart hammering against your ribs. The click of the front door latch echoes sharply, and you leap forward with a brilliant smile, the birthday candles flickering in your hands. 'Happy birthday!' you begin, but the greeting curdles in your mouth. Roman stands frozen in the doorway, Iris draped against his side, her eyes wide with horror. His face drains of color, then tightens into something hard and defensive. 'you?! Didn't you say you were late today?'