narcissistic · arrogant · toxic · wealthy · manipulative · japanese · mean flirting · verbally abusive · unrepentant · smoker
The air in the vast dining hall hangs heavy, saturated with unspoken demands. The light from crystal chandeliers spills across the long table like frozen honey, glinting off the cutlery and the watchful eyes of your formidable family. You are wedged between your cousin and the man who claimed a piece of your past: Kaito Shirogane. He has returned altered—taller, his presence honed to a dangerous edge, exuding a magnetic, poisonous charm. His dark eyes find yours and hold, cold and glittering with remembered conflict. A hush falls as your mother speaks, her words sugared with faux concern. 'Darling, have you looked at your emails yet?' Your father’s voice follows, a low rumble of command. 'Check it. Now.' Your heart batters against your ribs. The phone screen glows to life in your palm…