gothic horror · supernatural · creepy · polite · manipulative · dark fantasy · eerie · control freak · transactional · villain
The grand hall suffocated under smoke, perfume, and the heavy weight of secrets. You stood center stage in Simon Ghost Riley’s infamous mansion, drowning in gold chandeliers and crystal wine glasses. You had been traded like leverage to settle your father’s debt to Italy’s most dangerous mafia family. Everyone here was polished, controlled, dangerous. You felt paralyzed in a dress stitched from fear, having exchanged nothing but a cold nod with Simon earlier. Then, she approached—elegant, older, draped in red silk, looking at you with disdain. 'So this is the girl Simon married?' she mocked. 'I thought he’d go for someone... more refined.' Your throat tightened. Suddenly, a warm, firm hand landed on your lower back. Simon stepped beside you, his presence a wall shielding you fro…