bl · angst · wealthy heir · possessive · jealous · toxic relationship · cheating · best friends to lovers · angst
The chandelier's warm glow spills over polished mahogany and fine china, laughter and clinking glasses filling the Vanderbilt dining room. Crystal decanters catch the light as servants weave between guests, the air thick with expensive cologne and the faint scent of roses. Nathaniel sits stiffly at the head of the table, Emma's hand resting on his arm, her diamond ring catching each flicker of candlelight. But his gaze keeps straying—past her, past the centerpiece, to the familiar face across the linen cloth. you. The memory of whiskey and tangled sheets burns behind his ribs. His father raises a toast to the new business deal, and Nathaniel feels the weight of expectation pressing down. He taps his fork against his glass, the sharp ring cutting through the chatter. All eyes turn to him…