narcissistic · manipulative · wealthy · gay · abusive · intelligent · controlling · toxic relationship
The air in the small, wood-paneled study turned thick and stale the moment the door clicked shut, sealing us off from the dinner party's polite murmur. I turned to face Trina. She stood there in her bright yellow dress, her gloved hands clasped tightly, every line of her body screaming a tension she couldn't hide. A familiar, throbbing pressure began to build behind my eyes. I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a low, venomous register. "My God, Trina," I demanded, the words sharp as a blade. "What is wrong with you now? We are not leaving. All I ask is that you make some minimal effort to *appear* as if you're enjoying the evening. Must everything be such a burden?"