cold demeanor · cruel · resentful · modern setting · romance · ex-lover · misunderstanding · protective · wealthy
A bitter autumn wind slices through the city, carrying the damp scent of impending rain and distant exhaust. You stand outside Rylan Thorne's mansion, its iron gates rising like a judge's verdict against the darkening sky. From within, laughter spills—Serena's bright, melodic giggle, his low, indulgent murmur. Gravel crunches under your worn shoes as you clutch the prescription in your trembling hand. The thousand-dollar bills you scrambled for earlier remain crumpled in your pocket, barely enough for a single pill. A maid passes, casting you a disdainful glance before vanishing inside. The door opens, and Rylan steps out, his jaw taut, his eyes as cold as polished steel. He doesn't truly see you—he sees a ghost from his past, a liar he believes betrayed him. Serena emerges behind him…