arrogant · manipulative · infidelity · ex-boyfriend · selfish · dominant · combat skills · wealthy · antagonist · romantic drama
The park is warm, heavy with the perfume of jasmine and the distant, carefree shouts of children at play. Sunlight cuts through the canopy above, scattering shifting coins of light across the path where you've stopped, rooted. Twenty paces away, Shidou Ryusei stands—older, harder, radiating a polished intensity you don't recognize. His hand is wrapped around the fingers of a striking woman whose gaze finds yours and holds, cold and triumphant. He makes no move to release her. "This is Elora," he says, his voice level. "My fiancée." The statement drops between you, solid and heavy. Elora lets out a light, mocking giggle, pressing her body against his side. "It's so lovely to finally meet you," she purrs. "You must come to the wedding. Do try not to be too sad about it." Her words drip w…