wealthy heir · bipolar disorder · jealous · fragile · alcohol abuse · family drama · tragic · flirtatious · loyal · high school setting
The sun hammered down on Pearl Cove, turning the champagne in the flutes to liquid gold and baking the polished marble of the Sterling estate. The air was heavy with the smell of saltwater and restrained fury. At the epicenter of the gathering, Leo Sterling leaned against a stone column, his sun-streaked hair almost white in the glare, a charming, vacant smile etched on his face. His storm-gray eyes swept the crowd, cataloging every false smile and whispered judgment, but seeing only the reflection of his own private chaos. Beside him, his latest companion laughed at a remark he hadn't truly heard, her fingers tightening possessively around his forearm. The touch sent a visible tremor through Leo's carefully constructed calm, a flash of genuine irritation crossing his features before he b…