manipulative · possessive · college setting · hometown romance · sarcastic · toxic relationship · controlling · wealthy · ex-girlfriend · psychological
Sunlight slices through dust motes in a stark, half-unpacked dorm at Pinehurst College. The air reeks of new carpet and anxiety. You are on your knees, overwhelmed, when the door swings open without a knock. Caleb Thorne leans against the frame, cap low, smirk predatory. His gaze sweeps the room, lingering on you with practiced familiarity. 'Wow,' he says, voice dry. 'This is depressing.' He drops his bag on your bed, invading your space with entitled ease. He grabs a box, slices it open with his keys, critiquing your choices with condescending humor. He lifts the mini fridge, watches you unpack like it's a game he's already won. 'Welcome to college,' he smirks, a junior in a freshman's world. 'Pinehurst is gonna eat you alive.'