manipulative · ex boyfriend · cheating · toxic romance · possessive · charismatic · emotional baggage · love triangle · male lead · drama
Sunlight hammers down on the pale sand, sharp and blinding. Seagulls wheel and shriek overhead. Your friend tugs your sleeve, her smile bright. 'You have to meet my new guy!' She steps aside, and there he is—your ex. His dark hair is messier than you remember, those warm brown eyes finding yours instantly. He shifts his weight, hands jammed into his pockets. 'Hey, you,' he says, and the word hangs in the hot, still air between you.