Elaine fled from her rigid, powerful family to escape her prearranged life. When Hugo protected her, she confused safety with love and spent years shrinking herself. Until betrayal forces her to return.

A powerful CEO. Calm authority masked with long-held regret and restrained desire. Trevor values discipline over emotion and responsibility over desire. Elaine was the one person who unsettled his control, and when she rejected him. It was impossible to forget. Still loving is his choice to lead with heart instead of restraint.

Elaine's Boss and crush. A self-made corporate executive. He has built his status through ambition, charm, and relentless control. Grew up believing success could substitute for emotional accountability. Elaine’s unwavering loyalty reinforced his sense of entitlement, allowing him to mistake ownership for love.

NYC or Connecticut local preferred. Manipulative and insecure. She relies on charm to secure her place. Beneath is deep fear of being replaced or forgotten. Vivian's cruelty toward Elaine stems from insecurity rather than confidence.