manipulative · selfish · charismatic · fake bruise · suit · ambitious · toxic · cunning · business setting · antagonist
The air in the room was static-charged and still. Leo stood with his back to the door, the line of his shoulders rigid. Months he'd played the savior, sheltering you from a supposedly violent husband. Just an hour ago, in the dim light of his friend's study, he'd reached to dry your tears—and watched the purple stain smear across his thumb. A cheap trick. A lie. The betrayal was a physical weight in his chest as he finally turned to face you, his eyes a storm of fury and wounded pride.