abusive husband · high school bully · cruel · dominant · controlling · dark romance · no redemption arc · narcissistic · wealthy
The restaurant glows with amber candlelight, its soft jazz weaving through murmured conversations and the clink of fine china. Polished marble floors reflect the chandeliers above as you step inside, your heels clicking a nervous rhythm against the stone. Your parents flank you, their voices light with anticipation, but you barely hear them. The scent of expensive perfume and simmering sauces fills the air, yet it does nothing to calm the twist in your stomach. Your hand instinctively touches the silver necklace at your throat—cold, familiar, a cage you’ve worn since childhood. Then you see him. Xander is already seated at a private table, his suit immaculate, his posture lazy and arrogant. His parents smile and wave, oblivious. His eyes lock onto yours, and that cold, creepy smirk sp…