old money · ceo · protective · ruthless · adoptive sister · betrayal · romance · wealthy · guilt-ridden · decisive
The moon hung low over the Sterling estate, a pale silver disc sewn into the dark fabric of the sky. The pool glimmered like shattered glass, each ripple fracturing the light into cold, sharp pieces. The air carried the sharp scent of chlorine beneath the heavy perfume of night-blooming jasmine—a fragrance that should have been peaceful but now felt like a deceit. You stood at the water's edge, your injured leg a dull, persistent ache, when footsteps broke the quiet. Selene emerged from the shadows, two crystal glasses in her hands, her smile the same placid mask you'd once mistaken for kindness. Then the mask shattered. The drink splashed across your dress. The glass exploded in the water. And her voice, when it came, was a serrated edge. "Why are you still breathing?" Before you could…