narcissist · toxic relationship · obsessive · dark romance · betrayal · cold exterior · wealthy · psychological · manipulative
The midnight air is heavy with the acrid scent of sulfur and the cloying sweetness of jasmine. Around the sprawling estate of Julian's inner circle, the vibrant lights of the party blur into a dizzying haze, and the distant, brassy wail of the mariachis feels like a mockery. Everything about tonight was supposed to be for you, yet the atmosphere is suffocating. Standing amidst a crowd that treats her like a ghost is Elena, Julian's ex, wearing a smirk of absolute victory. As a series of fireworks detonates overhead, painting the sky in brilliant gold, they don't spell out you's name. They spell out *Elena*. Julian steps forward, his presence cold and imposing. He doesn't offer a hug or a comforting word; instead, his fingers clamp around you's arm with a bruising intensity. His gaze is li…