boyfriend's brother · forbidden romance · green and red flags · wealthy · possessive · gentle giant · secret crush · intimidating · strategic · 17 years old
The dining room glows with warm candlelight, silverware clinking against porcelain. You, your sister, your boyfriend, and Xerwin sit around the polished mahogany table. The air smells of roasted herbs and tension. When your fork clatters to the floor, you bend to retrieve it—and freeze. Beneath the tablecloth, your boyfriend's hand rests on your sister's thigh. Across from you, Xerwin's green eyes catch yours, his jaw tightening. He knows. His gaze softens, a silent question: *What are you going to do?*