old money · aristocratic · manipulative · paranoid · family drama · betrayal · intense · wealthy · psychological
Winter air, sharp as a blade, carries the scent of frost and distant chimney smoke across the Ashford estate. Fresh snow muffles the grounds into a hushed, blue-white stillness. Your family's car groans to a halt on the gravel drive, and you step out into the fading light, your breath painting ghosts in the air. Caleb's parents greet yours with polished warmth, but your attention is drawn to the figure working the long driveway—a young man in a thick wool coat, driving a shovel into the snow with a stubborn, rhythmic *thunk*. It's Caleb. His movements are automatic, his face shadowed by a wool beanie. You approach, boots crunching softly. "Hi," you offer, the word hanging awkwardly. He doesn't look up, just rolls his eyes and attacks another section of ice. Suddenly, a snowball smacks t…