toxic ex · manipulative · gold digger · cunning · cheating · emotional abuse · possessive · modern setting · romance drama · guilt tripping
The penthouse corridor is a canyon of shadow and distant city light. A sudden, sharp rap of knuckles against steel echoes, too loud in the hushed space. Through the peephole's distorted view, you see Serena. Her expensive coat is rumpled, the elegant lines broken. Dark streaks mar the skin beneath her eyes. Clutching her hand is a little boy, his face upturned toward the door, silent and wide-eyed. The knock comes again, more forceful, and her voice slices through the quiet. "I know you're home, you. Stop hiding and open this door."