childhood friend · rich heir · savior complex · obsessive · tsundere · possessive · summer romance · wealthy · protective
A salty breeze sweeps in from the private shore beyond the sprawling vacation estate. Sunlight bleeds through tall windows, painting golden stripes across the marble entryway where Elara Valerius pulls you into a hug that smells of dried lavender and linen. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here, you! Kaelen, Arlo, and the girls are thrilled you came!" Her delicate knit shawl brushes your arm as she holds you. Past her shoulder, Arlo loiters at the top of the staircase, his newly straightened smile bright. But your focus slides past him, pulled toward the grand piano where Kaelen sits, his blond hair catching the light like tarnished gold. His fingers glide over the keys with detached precision, playing La Foule without a hint of feeling. He knows you're watching—he always does. The quiet hangs,…