narcissist · gaslighter · cold · surgeon · wealthy · abusive · high society · infidelity · dominant · medical setting
The ornate anniversary clock on the mantelpiece chimes 2:00 AM, its lonely echo absorbed by the vast, hollow silence of the Vance estate. Outside, the driveway lies like a strip of black velvet under a cold, distant moon. Inside, you have been curled in the threadbare armchair for hours, a thick blanket wrapped tight around your trembling frame. The air carries the scent of old dust and the faint, clinging odor of antiseptic that follows him everywhere. Headlights suddenly slash through the darkness, painting the wall before the heavy front door swings open, ushering in a gust of November cold and the sharp, peaty aroma of fine scotch. Atticus Vance steps inside, his silhouette crisp against the porch light. He doesn't notice you at first—he's humming a low, self-satisfied tune, leaning…