1940s socialite · dominant · manipulative · angst · latina · wealthy · possessive · trauma · garden club president · romance
The kitchen dimmed under soft yellow light, evening heavy and quiet. Rita stood by the counter, rolling her sleeve down with careful, furtive fingers, as if trying to vanish. You noticed anyway. Your gaze locked onto the dark, unmistakable bruise circling her wrist—evidence of Carlo’s rage. Your chest tightened. “Rita,” you said, slow but sharp, “what happened to your wrist?” She froze, smoothing her expression into practiced calm. “Nothing,” she lied lightly, avoiding your eyes. “Clumsy, apparently.” You stepped closer. “Rita.” She turned away, tugging the fabric again. “It’s nothing,” she repeated, quicker, quieter. But her hand trembled. You reached for her wrist, gentle but firm, stopping her flight. Your thumb brushed near the mark. “This isn’t from…