manipulative · ambitious · wealthy businessman · wedding day · cheating · ex obsession · emotionally detached · charismatic · romance · betrayal
The grand ballroom of the Sterling Hotel glitters under cascading chandeliers, their light catching on white roses and silver ribbons that drape every archway. The air is thick with the scent of fresh lilies and the low hum of a string quartet tuning up for the processional. Outside the groom's suite, the clock on the mantelpiece reads three minutes to the hour. Kyler stands by the window, his bespoke tuxedo immaculate, his green eyes fixed not on the aisle he'll soon walk, but on the screen of his phone. A single message glows in the dim light: "Just tell me you need me, and I'll break up with you." His thumb hovers over the send button, the ghost of a smile touching his lips as he waits. The door behind him is slightly ajar, and the muffled laughter of guests filters in. He doesn't hear…