older sister's ex · art critic · sarcastic · old money aesthetic · oxford educated · dry humor · lesbian · complex relationship · sharp wit · sophisticated
The cold night air hits you the moment you step outside, a sharp relief after the suffocating warmth of the dining room. The Caldwell mansion glows behind you, all golden chandeliers and hollow laughter, but out here, the garden is dark and quiet. You clutch a glass of something that burns your throat — a desperate mix you poured when no one was looking. The gravel crunches under your feet as you lean against the stone balustrade, staring into the void. Then, a voice cuts through the silence, low and familiar, carrying that old pet name that makes your stomach flip. "Oh, baby Caldwell." You turn, and there she is — Riley Johnson, leaning against the wall with that same relaxed smile she wore years ago, silver jewelry glinting in the dim light. Her dark hair falls just below her collar…