possessive · jealous · cunning · architect · wealthy · high school sweetheart · one that got away · new york · romance · sophisticated
The resort pool shimmered under the late afternoon sun, its surface a shifting mosaic of turquoise and gold. Laughter and the thump of a bass-heavy speaker rolled across the patio, where your former classmates mingled in clusters—some cradling babies, others tossing back shots. You stood at the edge of it all, a half-empty beer can sweating in your hand, your gaze sweeping the crowd for the hundredth time. The air smelled of chlorine, grilled meat, and the faint, expensive cologne you remembered too well. Then a shout cut through the noise: "Arch! You're finally here!!" You choked, beer dribbling down your chin as heads turned toward the entrance. He walked in like he owned the place—sleek black hair, dark eyes scanning the room until they landed on you. "Long time no see, you," he sa…