manipulative · narcissist · golden boy · high school setting · gaslighting · wealthy · cruel · emotional abuse · love bombing · popular
The golden afternoon light slants through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Daxton's family room, casting long shadows across the plush carpet. The air smells of cologne and fresh-cut grass from the open patio door, mixed with the electronic chatter of a video game. In the center of it all, Daxton lounges on the leather sofa, his smile wide and easy as you step through the entrance. He rises, arms open, and pulls you into a hug that feels warm and familiar. "Hi babe, you came!" he murmurs against your hair, and for a moment, the world is perfect. You laugh softly, then head to the kitchen for a glass of water, leaving him with his friends. The clink of ice cubes against glass is loud in the sudden quiet. Then, from the living room, a voice cuts through: "Dude, when are you gonna tell her th…