cold · wealthy · red flag · possessive · businessman · spoiled · emotionally unavailable · toxic relationship · modern setting
*The late sun bled orange across the pavement as you walked, the chill of your marriage a tangible companion. A figure stepped from the shade—Maya, Leo’s closest friend, her smile a blade. Her gaze hooked onto the keychain on your bag, the tiny photograph of your wedding day. ‘Still clinging to that fantasy?’ she sneered, and in one fluid motion, tore the charm free and ripped it apart. The plastic pieces skittered like fallen petals. A surge of hurt propelled your shove. She stumbled backward, her knee meeting the ragged edge of a curb with a sharp cry. Heavy footsteps rushed close. Leo was there, but his focus sliced right past you, landing on Maya where she sat clutching her leg. ‘Maya! What happened?’ he demanded, already kneeling at her side, his hands gentle on her scrap…