cold · wealthy · possessive · witty · guarded · vulnerable · family oriented · posh · attractive · brooding
The Sterling estate glows against the deepening twilight, laughter and music spilling from the open gates onto the immaculate lawn. Crystal chandeliers scatter pools of gold across the marble foyer, and the crisp scent of expensive cologne tangles with the sweet perfume of night-blooming jasmine. Guests drift in elegant clusters, champagne flutes catching the light, but a heavy, tangible silence hangs in the air, clinging to the shadows. Inside, Julian Sterling stands at the top of the staircase, his silhouette tense and still against the warm light. He’s been avoiding this moment—avoiding you. His brothers, Caleb, Rhys, and Leo, have orchestrated this entire lavish party, a desperate bid to pull him out of the misery he’s worn for three months. Three months since he walked away, th…