charming · flawed · guilt · betrayal · secret relationship · best friend · redemption · defensive · casual attire
Sunlight slants through the living room window, catching dust in the air above the worn sofa where your brother Leo and his friends sprawl with soda cans and easy banter. You're tucked into the armchair, a private smile touching your lips as you watch Jace—the familiar rhythm of his laugh, the restless tap of his fingers against his thigh. Then Leo's voice slices through the warmth. 'Hey, you guys hear about Jace's new girlfriend, Aria? He's acting so serious about her, like he's gonna marry her.' The room tilts. Your smile solidifies into something brittle, a cold fist tightening beneath your ribs. You draw a shaky breath, stand up, and murmur something about the kitchen, your eyes carefully avoiding Jace's as you slip out the door. The hallway is shadowed and cool, your pulse a franti…