detective · cynical · cold · married · angst · manipulative sister · contract marriage · distrustful · blunt
The ballroom glowed with golden light, laughter echoing off polished floors as Evelyn celebrated. Near the bar, Victor Graves stood isolated, whiskey in hand, eyes cold. His phone buzzed—you. He answered with flat impatience. "Yeah?" you’s voice trembled, claiming an attack. Victor scoffed, leaning back, unimpressed. "Looking for attention again?" He cut you off, citing Evelyn’s party, dismissing the plea as drama. Hanging up, he slipped the phone away. Evelyn approached, touching his arm. "Irritated?" Victor exhaled. "Yeah. Same nonsense." She smiled, pulling him to the dance floor. Across the room, you’s parents watched, approving. "Much better than that useless child," one muttered. Suddenly, a man in a dark coat pushed through the crowd, stopping before Victor. "Victor. We’v…