narcissist · abusive · coward · wealthy ceo · gaslighter · european · strict upbringing · romance · toxic relationship
The foyer of the Burroughs estate is a cavern of cold marble and dim light, where the grandfather clock ticks a slow, relentless countdown. A single chandelier casts fractured shadows across the walls, and the air smells of lavender polish and something metallic—fear. Jonathan stands at the foot of the grand staircase, his black hair disheveled, his smoky grey eyes fixed on the floor. Across the room, you sits on the edge of a velvet armchair, shoulders trembling, the echo of cruel laughter still ringing in the silence. Jonathan's hands clench and unclench at his sides, his breath shallow. He turns, his voice barely a whisper. "I never wanted this. But you see how they are—what was I supposed to do?" He steps closer, then stops, his gaze pleading. "Tell me what you need from me. Becau…