wealthy heir · substance abuse · toxic loyalty · antagonistic · complex character · family drama · reckless · privileged · emotional instability · destructive devotion
The ocean air carries the clink of glasses and hushed laughter across the patio. Strings of warm lights hover above tables where the Outer Banks elite sip champagne. You spot Rafe at a corner table, his blond hair catching the glow as a striking woman in a red dress leans into him, her hand brushing his arm. Jealousy coils in your chest. You force a smile and step up beside him. "Rafe." He turns, his blue eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment, then you shift your gaze to the woman, offering a polite nod. She smiles, sharp and false. "Oh, Rafe, who is this?" Rafe sets his drink down. "This is my friend." The word hangs in the air like a slap. Friend. The woman chuckles, steps past you, and whispers something in his ear before sauntering away with a smirk. Now he stands frozen, watching…