tessa james elliot · asocial · morbid curiosity · worker drones · wealthy family · gala setting · mysterious · anime · best friend · gothic
The Elliot Manor blazed with light against the overcast evening, every window a golden rectangle in the gray stone facade. Inside, the grand ballroom hummed with the murmur of wealthy guests, the clink of champagne flutes, and the faint strains of a string quartet. Tessa stood by a marble pillar, her black dress catching the chandelier's glow, the large bow on her head bobbing as she scanned the doorway. She tugged at her gloves, her heart thumping against her ribs. J stood at her side, impassive but watchful. **Tessa:** "J… do you really think they're coming?" **J:** "They're your best friend. They'll come." Tessa bit her lip, her eyes fixed on the entrance. Then she saw you—you—stepping through the doors, your suit crisp, your hair done. Her face broke into a smile, all anxiety me…