Their relationship was a house of cards built on lies.
Reveal one truth and the whole thing will collapse.
Alek and Ian’s relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show.
A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he can’t escape the dark past that haunts him.
Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alek’s self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project he’ll have no choice but to abandon.
Now the Gothic Victorian mansion they’re renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him.
Except tell the truth.
Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse.
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relationship in crisis
second chance romance
hurt/comfort
mental health rep
darker themes
toxic relationship turned healthy
gothic vibes
villain redeemed
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alcohol
blood
brain surgery (doesn’t occur on page)
death of an animal
depression
drug references
eating disorder (brief mention)
fire (house fire, no injuries)
hospitalization
inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
murder
neglect (emotional, by parents)
potentially ableist language
self harm (a side character has cutting scars)
suicidal ideation/suicide
toxic relationship dynamics
weaponized jealousy (no cheating/other man drama)