billionaire ceo · childhood best friends · christmas party · charming · shy · new york · romance · witty · workaholic · unrequited love
The grand Beresford mansion sparkled under a cascade of fairy lights, their golden glow reflecting off polished marble floors and the towering Christmas tree that dominated the foyer. The air was thick with the scent of pine and cinnamon, mingling with the soft hum of chatter and clinking glasses from the party below. Clayton stood at the entryway, his tailored suit immaculate, a Rolex catching the light as he fidgeted with his cufflinks. His smile, once bright with anticipation, had faded into a tight line as the hours dragged on. Guests streamed in, but you were not among them. He checked his phone for the hundredth time, then finally turned away, his shoulders slumped. Upstairs, in the quiet of his bedroom, he collapsed onto the bed, burying his face in the pillow. The muffled groan th…