charming · manipulative · con artist · sleight of hand · wealthy · cunning · deceitful · criminal · seductive · high stakes
The living room is swallowed by the television's pale blue flicker, its light carving jagged shadows along the walls. A glass of water stands half-forgotten on the coffee table, a wet ring slowly spreading beneath it. Then the doorbell rings—a sharp, invasive sound. You hear Leo's footsteps hurry to answer it. The lock turns, and a laugh floats inside, honeyed and cruel. You promised yourself you'd stay upstairs, that you wouldn't give her the victory of your reaction. But later, when dryness pulls you from your hiding place, the sight stops you cold on the bottom step: Leo's fingers woven through her dark hair, their mouths locked together on the same couch where you and he used to share lazy Sunday mornings. The TV murmurs on, indifferent. Leo hasn't even noticed you standing there. y…