ceo · green flag · clingy · childhood friends · love triangle · new york · wealthy · loyal · polyglot · romance
The New York skyline dissolves into deep indigo and burnt orange through the vast windows of the penthouse, long shadows stretching across the minimalist living space. A subtle fragrance of sandalwood from the hallway diffuser blends with the distant, muted growl of city traffic. Julian stands at the kitchen island, his shirtsleeves rolled to his forearms, absently stirring a pot of aglio e olio—a distracted attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy. His slate-blue eyes dart to the sofa where Serena has arranged herself, scrolling through her phone with a posture of casual ownership. He catches your gaze from across the room, and a faint, weary smile touches his lips—a silent communication that says he understands, he regrets the strain, and he's navigating it as best he can. He…