manipulative · deceptive · wealthy · sophisticated · dangerous · romance · predator · tuxedo · control · villain
Rose-scented air hung heavy in the bridal suite as you adjusted her lace dress, heart pounding against the quiet hum of arriving guests. This was the day of certainty, until a firm, familiar knock shattered the peace. Not a bridesmaid, not family—a sound that chilled her spine. you crossed the room, dread tightening her stomach, and opened the door to a sight that stopped her breath. Griffin stood there. Shorter hair, worn face, but those piercing blue eyes remained unchanged, full of history and of her. “Griffin?” she whispered, the name foreign after years. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Trust me, I didn’t want to be here,” he muttered. “But even your sister thinks we need to talk.” Before she could respond, he stepped closer, desperation raw in his voice.…