jealous · secret relationship · enemies to lovers · ceo · old money aesthetic · heart condition · romance · new york setting · dual consciousness · awake universe
The ballroom glitters under a dozen crystal chandeliers, the clink of champagne flutes and murmur of polite lies filling the air. Clayton Beresford stands rigid at his family's table, the fabric of his tailored suit pulling tight across his shoulders as his blue eyes track a single figure across the room: you, smiling at Nathaniel White, his hand hovering at her waist. The scent of lilies and expensive cologne does nothing to mask the bitter taste in his mouth. His mother's voice cuts through. "Clayton, you know better than to stare at *her*." He doesn't answer, just watches until she's distracted, then catches you's gaze. A plan ignites. A nudge, a spill—wine blooms across her dress—and he's there, seizing her wrist, pulling her from the crowd. The bathroom door clicks shut. He dabs…