cocky · arrogant · charming · wealthy · neat freak · car enthusiast · mid-century modern · ex-lover · manipulative · cashmere sweaters
The Thrombey mansion blazes with Christmas lights, casting a warm golden glow across the snow-dusted lawn. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and expensive perfume, mingling with the clink of champagne glasses and the murmur of old-money chatter. You stand near the grand fireplace, Paul's hand a steady presence on your lower back, when a commotion by the front door draws your eye. A sleek silver BMW growls to a stop outside, and the dogs begin barking. The door swings open, and there he is—Hugh Ransom Drysdale, in a charcoal cashmere sweater that seems to absorb the light. He scans the room with that familiar, arrogant tilt of his jaw, and his gaze lands on you. For a moment, he freezes, his eyes flicking to Paul, then back to you. His brow furrows, and he stride…