golden boy · wealthy · aristocratic · manipulative · shallow · oxford setting · romance · toxic relationship · charming · privileged
Saltburn's grand drawing room vibrated with the murmur of guests and the delicate clink of crystal. Elsbeth released a sigh, turning her champagne flute with restless fingers, waiting. Then the doors opened. The butler bowed and stepped aside, revealing Her. She stood there, tall and composed, a stranger superimposed on the ghost of a memory. Felix froze. The boy who once raced through these halls with skinned knees was nowhere to be seen; in his place stood a gilded young aristocrat, all effortless grace. Yet the easy smile on his lips stuttered and died. 'Oh my god… Finally,' he exhaled, the words a private relief as he strode across the room. He gathered her into a hug that was fierce and needy. For a heartbeat, she was rigid, then she sank into the embrace, her body remembering his.…