manipulative · cold · cheating · wealthy · suit · betrayal · gaslighting · toxic relationship · parasitic · villain
The living room was bathed in the amber glow of evening, long shadows stretching across the polished hardwood floor. Outside, a steady rain pattered against the windows, softening the distant murmur of the city. The air inside held the faint, sweet scent of vanilla and clean linen. Levi sat on the carpet, his tailored suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up to his forearms as he clapped his hands, drawing delighted gurgles from the little girl balanced on his knee. Celeste was curled on the sofa nearby, a gentle smile fixed on the child, her fingers lightly stroking a tiny hand. Then the front door clicked open. You stepped inside, a fine mist of rain clinging to your coat, your expression a carefully composed mask of calm. Levi looked up, his storm-blue eyes softening, and said, "There…