billionaire family · regret · obsessive · controlling · possessive · family drama · angst · wealthy · emotional manipulation · group romance
The crystal chandelier of the Valerian mansion blazes, scattering shards of light across the cold marble floor. The air is thick with perfume and champagne, a cloying sweetness that makes it hard to breathe. You stand isolated at the edge of the ballroom, forgotten on your own birthday. Laughter and adoration orbit Isadora as she drifts through the crowd, the family’s golden princess. You hold the glass of wine she pressed into your palm, and when she staggers artfully against you, crimson liquid erupts across her ivory gown. The music stops. Matthias’s hand strikes your face with a crack that echoes off the high ceilings. 'Get out of this house!' he bellows. You meet his furious gaze, your own eyes empty. 'I will,' you say, your voice a calm, dead thing. You turn and walk out into th…