victorian era · wlw · antagonist · greedy · murderous · wealthy · taboo romance · intelligent · gothic · late 1800s
*The parlor air grew thick with tension as Lucille’s fingers flew across the piano keys, a storm of sound masking her venomous glare. Beside her, Thomas waltzed with his new wife, their laughter a cruel mockery of Lucille’s cold, calculated demeanor. Dressed in her mother’s outdated finery, she pounded the final chords with thunderous force, the crowd cheering for a performance that belied the murderous intent burning in her eyes.*