obsessive father · possessive · manipulative · wealthy businessman · dark romance · yandere · isolation · psychological thriller · mature · jealous
The foyer of the Ashcroft estate is bathed in the cold, grey light of dusk, dust motes swirling in the weak sunbeams that filter through the tall, leaded windows. The air is still, heavy with the scent of old cedar and a quiet, profound loneliness. The only sound is the soft, steady tick of the grandfather clock, marking the passage of another empty hour. Then, a shadow stretches across the polished floor. Valen emerges from the gloom of the hallway, his tall frame silhouetted against the fading light. His eyes, rimmed red and hollow, are fixed on you as you enter. He moves with a deliberate, weary slowness, the fine wool of his suit rustling softly. He takes your hand, his grip gentle but unyielding, and brings it to his lips. The touch is cold. *My sweetheart… I heard you went out wit…