#𝙲𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚁𝚈𝙲𝙻𝚅𝙱 … opulence does not live only in gold or marble , but in the sprawl of language — in verses that glitter like gems , in prose that drapes itself across the mind like velvet curtains in a palace . we are libraries dressed in velvet , stories etched in gold leaf . our tragedies arrive in satin gloves , our love letters in crystal goblets . all of it inked , all of it eternal . ──── written by t , for manhattantv .
#whiskey blossom … coraline stratton ( romee strijd ) ──── thirty2 . a father's teachings on politics honed and perfected into persuasion . found in the politician family vip suite … introduction . pinterest .
[ ✉️ monty maddox → coraline stratton ] : that's bc you barely check your phone . it ensures i get your attention
[ ✉️ monty maddox → coraline stratton ] : just work from my office duh ? it's clean don't worry 🙄 and i'll try not to combust while you do your big girl job
[ ✉️ monty maddox → coraline stratton ] : hurry up and get your ass over here
[ ✉️ monty maddox → coraline stratton ] : bean says ur his fave person . right now ur not mine bc you clocked me. smh. can't get anything past you .
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : you give tinkerbell a run for her money , you know that ?
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : our versions of clean are different but i'll manage . my BiG gIrL JoB . you . are . the . drama .
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : i'm moving as fast as i can . not even changing out of my sweats , it's a miracle .
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : tell him he's coco's fave too and that his grumpy dad is officially on my shit list 🙂 it's not clocking to you that i know you better than you like to think ? and do not call me out for quoting bieber
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : i was going to finish up a couple emails and then I can be right over ? can't have you singing the playground song all alone , poor beans ears can't handle that
[ 💌 coraline stratton → monty maddox ] : for mikey ? a six pack ? i'll bring a six pack for YOU and a six pack of applesauce for the little peanut , it's only fair
damian had his phone in hand the moment coraline’s call ended, thumb swiping through the thread with monty. sure enough it was the usual flood: memes that had no business being funny, screenshots with captions that didn’t make sense unless you knew the inside jokes. damian smirked to himself, dropped one back into the stream, then let the screen go dark.
elbows braced wide, posture loose in a way that only happened off-ice, off-camera, the light caught the thin pearl necklace at his throat when he lifted his gaze into hers. “you needed a break. that’s why we’re here.” he murmured, not sharp, more like he was pointing out the obvious with a thread of sympathy.
he wasn't in the trenches with her for the event she was planning, but didn't want to leave her grinding through details, holding it all together alone. “but if you need backup, i can have a look at that seating chart?” he tipped his chin at her drink, a coax without pressure. “otherwise, you let me keep you company, and you actually breathe for a second. deal?” the look he gave her was light, easy, a quiet pull back into something softer than whatever conversation she’d been fielding a minute ago.
a glint in cerulean hues as femme shifts posture toward damian . a familiarity between the two that allowed for usual wall to stand less sturdy than usual . gaze sweeping over the hockey player as he speaks , cheeks flushing a faint pink . " and a break is exactly what this will be , " tips of manicured fingers tap lightly at phone pushing it just an inch further away , as if that meant it were entirely out of sight ( and out of mind ) . a shake of her head , in the same motion her hand finds his arm , touch gentle as ever . likely more soothing for her . " don't you dare worry your pretty head with silly seating charts , " lips roll into a straight line , a picture of appreciation , for so much as offering . hand falls back , into personal space . a sharp inhale , then exhale as if the singular breathing technique rolled away any thought of work , in an instant . matched with a shimmy of shoulders , whimsical in nature . " deal , " a mirrored softness in femme's features . " so tell me , " posture straightening , pearly whites on display , " how much have you missed me ? " her chin lifting with a feigned sense of pride , despite the question being posed in absolute jest .
an involuntary wave of dread dances down her spine as she pictures the pairing, the words inspiring a rather crude pantomime. a quick finger gun brushes her temple before the same hand circles back around the rim of her glass, lifting it towards painted lips for another a sip. coraline's apology is waved away with nothing more than a sympathetic glance, all too understanding of the demands gala season brings. "i don't think you understand how much i love how good you are at your job," henrietta laughs, normally tensed muscles at ease in a combination of liquor and fondness for the other girl, familiarity allowing for a much needed moment of reprieve in what was an otherwise hellish week. "or else i'd have to be the one stringing these events together, at least when your dad's involved." nose scrunches just at the thought of it, manicured fingernails tapping against the bar top as henrietta reels her mind back towards their last topic of conversation before cora's phone had rang. "somewhere in the middle of promising each other one work free night out, i believe." the statement is delivered free of accusation considering henri herself had paused not even ten minutes prior to exchange a series of needlessly lengthy emails. "at this rate, we're overdue for a bachelorette weekend level of debauchery the way our nights out keep turning out."
the finger gun held to henrietta's temple insights a muted laugh from blonde , only traced by a clipped breathe let out . a pleasant air to her , calm in every regard in the company of the other . a feeling of non - judgment always interwoven between the two . hand pressed to her chest , head tilting as if she couldn't be more flattered . somewhat an exaggerated display but a genuine response at it's core . " i may just have to take some time off when my dad decides to do his annual gala , get your feet wet , " she teases , both far too aware taking time off wasn't in the stratton woman's dna . " someone needs to understand my pain , you know ? " manicured tips play as cushion between translucent stem and marbled bar edge . letting liquor coat her insides , just enough to allow herself to push the idea of work entirely out of her mind . even if only for now . lips pull into circular form , quiet ooh leaving femme . " we've failed miserably already , haven't we ? " chin tucking toward her chest , only briefly , as a laugh escapes her . " now that ... can be arranged , " she confirms , smile teetering on mischievous , arguably a rare sighting . " the night is still young , " peeking down at imaginary watch on her wrist .
marciana responds with a smile of her own—gradual yet brimming with confidence, a cat mid-stretch, "think nothing of it. as long as you forgive me for drafting up this email, that is." with one last flurry of key swipes, cellphone is promptly tucked back into her clutch to give coraline her full attention. no apology, for she sees nothing wrong with it. "i don't think it even matter now, because i have to ask," there's a questioning glint in sable hues, "when was the last time you had a day off? i'd hate to see your work bleed into your social life like that."
a nod , urging femme to do what she needs to . attention momentarily on her drink before marciana's voice cuts through the muffled whispers surrounding the bar . coraline's brow quirks up , displaying intrigue in the impending question . gaze fixed on femme , hint of amusement in response to the glint in her eyes . " the last time i had a day off ... " buttery tone finally breaks through . chin tilted upward , as if in genuine contemplation , bright smile featured . " summer of '93 ? " a playfulness gift wrapped in syrupy voice . after a beat , words are followed by a shake of her head . " truthfully , " a forearm laid along edge of bar top , " i'm not very good about work life balance , " whispered confession as if laying out her biggest flaw -- perhaps she was .
neglecting rules of etiquette, classes drilled into psyche about form and manners, palm of hand cups side of cranium as homme waits for other to finish conversation. scrolls through his reminders for tomorrow while recognizing the names spoken in somewhat massachusetts accent, unknowingly nodding in agreement at words. knowledge of the political spectrum minimized to new york politics and whatever happens in un headquarters - attorney has to keep up for winnie's sake. " your sister was our topic of the evening i believe, " responds swiftly before mirroring actions, lips touching rim of crystalline glass. " fundraiser plans ? " tone rising near the end, questioning in the hopes of distraction from previous conversation as chin nods toward phone in between the pair.
a hint of guilt conjures up in femme for so much as answering previous call . a vehement distaste for being distracted . certain things must take precedent , though . silhouette shifts measurably in his direction . a promise that nicholas had her undivided attention , now . an unhurried nod once the topic of their previous conversation was brought back to the surface . coraline more than happy to gloss over it , at the cost of speaking about anything else . " my sister , right , always makes for convenient conversation , doesn't she ? " cerulean hues peering over the rim of coupe glass , tone touched with amusement , but her gaze lingered on him a moment too long and she knew it . " and yes , " setting her drink down beside phone , like a double barrier between them , " fundraiser plans . they never end but i'd hate to bore you with seating charts and donor lists . " tilting her head then , a half smile pulling at her lips , as if daring him to chose a topic that suited him more .
a woman of contradictions, he cannot help but admire her the way an aesthete would a blank canvas. not for what it is, but for what it could become. so put together, incandescent and disarming; picturesque. and yet, his interest in her is more aligned with what lies beneath the polished surface, manufactured perfection giving way to a more flawed reality. even now, as he takes her in, he is reminded of her complex nature, gentle graces coupled with the allure of something far more promising. “ how fortunate for those looking on that your beauty more than makes up for my less than appealing state, ” words are accompanied by an appraising look that mirrors her own, azure hues traveling over delicate features. “ my wallet is always willing to comply with your desires, love. so long as you keep making me look like bloody mother teresa come again. ”
she had lived her whole life under the watchful eyes of men who wanted to define her , and learned to let them wonder instead , was best for all parties . coraline's laughter slipped out low , velvet soft -- flattery a key through most doors in her world . it couldn't and wouldn't be lost on her that he surely knew exactly what he was doing . " you give me far too much credit , killian . who's to say even in your state some eyes aren't glued to you , hm ? " her smile faint but lingering , the sort of smile that revealed little and promised everything . her gaze held his for a moment . " always ? " she echoes , a inviting lilt in her tone , " careful that's a big promise , even for mother thersea reincarnate . " leaning back , effortless in her poise , legs crossed at the ankle as though entirely comfortable under his gaze .
STATUS : open ( 0 / 3 ). TIME & LOCATION : 11 AM @ some café.
polarized aviators obstruct azure hues, offering some level of anonymity, but not enough to keep the wolves at bay. a nod of recognition does little to appease; they continue to trace his steps, even as he slips into the café. he should have made more of an effort to mask his appearance, if only to provide his chosen companion with some semblance of obscurity. he sinks into the seat opposite, a grin equal parts sheepish and placating tugging at his lips; hand rising to nudge the sunglasses up to rest atop sandy-hued strands, exposing dark shadows that bear testament to restless nights spent battling his demons. “ hope i didn’t keep you waiting. tell you what, order whatever you want. it’s on me. ”
an earlier morning than usual for blonde . a million and one things ticked off daily itinerary before so much as arriving to cafe . manicured tips hovering over glossed mouth , covering yawn – not so much exhaustion , more so underlying impatience . cerulean orbs glued to phone , so entranced killian's arrival nearly goes unnoticed . " what a gentleman . and here i thought it was already on you , " a curl of lips , measured but undoubtley sweet in nature . " you look … terrible . " appraisal made as gaze fixes on the other , a hint of a smirk lingering .
a soft chuckle escapes as coraline hangs up the call , and solene does well to keep the noise muffled behind her hand . perfectly manicured nails hiding glossed lips and the other tangling around the stem of her own signature cocktail . please never used to be in her vocab , not unless she battered her pretty lashes to make those crumble to their knees to get her own way . nowadays , she understood the need for niceties mixed with assertiveness to get the job done . “ lucky they were talking to you . there would've been a few choice words if it were me . ” the brunette adds with a subtle curve to her lips and a raise of a single brow , as if to drive her point home . but ... she's trying . those days are supposed to be behind her . “ why don't you put that thing on silent before i throw it across the booth ? and tell me what else you've been up to . ”
a curl of lips along the rim of glass . slow blink in solene's direction , punctuating a sense of amusement . coraline taught the art of persuasion early on in life – people preferred to feel needed , respected , it fostered unwavering loyalty to the cause ( the cause always coraline ) . a gentle swing of coupe glass , outwards , no longer playing as a dainty wall between the two women . shifting forward , as if an earth quaking secret were dancing across the femme's lips . " i have to play nice , you know this , " a glint in ocean orbs . coraline's name was synonymous with veiled niceties . " you ? cause a scene ? " a gasp reverberates past her throat . taking a moment to lean back , further into the cushion of the booth . in the same motion , retrieving her phone , switching the device off , do not disturb mode activated as she turns the screen in the other's direction for a moment of proof . a quirk of her brow as if silently questioning if she were satisfied . " all work , no play , " she admits , shake of her head as if disappointed with herself . no pressing gossip to offer up on a silver platter . " gala season turns me into something unrecognizable . so , i need to live vicariously through you . "
🐇 ﹕ ʚɞ the mantle of calloway matriarch was not one she had sought , but one she had married into. it draped across her shoulders with the kind of weight that was impossible to shrug off. mary beth bore it with practiced composure , a creature of duty and presentation. in front of her lay her leather bound smythson diary , each page filled with the neat order of her handwriting. a calendar unfurled in disciplined black ink , commitments marching into mid 2026 without a pause for breath.
she didn't look up immediately. she let the silence stretch , one finger smoothing over the spine of the book before lifting her gaze. chin tilted just enough to suggest authority rather than aggression , eyes fastening on coraline with an unblinking steadiness. “ if you’re busy , we can reschedule … ” the words came smooth and measured , like polished glass. “ it seems your mind is preoccupied. ” a pause , the faintest flick of her thumb against the diary’s gilt edge. “ my husband , mr. calloway , will be hosting a fundraiser gala for the mayoral run. i want to be certain your services. and that your extracurricular activities will not interfere with its success. ”
gaze unwavering , peering over the rim of crystallized coupe glass . coraline stratton was not the sort of woman to break eye contact in fear of coming off too confident ( read : arrogant ) . instead , the upturn of the corner of lips melt away any perceived grand standing . pointed remarks rolling off shoulders . a hum coming from the stratton woman -- a woman far too versed with those who believed their political endeavors to be special , and not another spanner thrown into the mix . glass clinking against the bar top , as coraline sets it down . hands clasping over her leather bonded portfolio case ( unopened ) . " preoccupied ? " cora echoes , almost sounding humored by the accusation . " if every call or message that begged for my attention threw me off my game , i would have never made it through my first gala season , " words filter out unhurried , never selling herself -- her reputation spoke for itself : a bona fide king maker in the realm of public perception and philanthropic success .
" with all due respect , mrs. kwon , i don't believe either one of us would be sat here if your husband or yourself did not think i were the best person to take on the gala , " her tone remains poised , drenched in a politeness that could near condescension . she was not one to boast but her name behind a fundraiser attached to a mayoral run ? now that co - sign , was worth more than anything money could buy . shifting her attention away from mary beth , momentarily . a precise flick as she opened the stationary laid out in front of her . a few taps against the touch screen with perfectly manicured tips . " as for my ... extracurriculars , you'll find they open more doors rather than playing interference , " a slight raise of her brow , as gracious as ever . shifting detailed rundown closer toward femme for her to follow coraline's thoughts .
big brother: do you like constantly having the public’s attention on you?
“ i don't dislike it . at the end of the day , i kept myself in the public eye . of course , i wish some privacy was respected , but i accepted a long time ago it all comes with the territory . ”
love is blind: what’s more important to you: looks or personality?
the unspoken third option , money . “ more like , am i as shallow as a kiddie pool ? eunice kennedy shriver once said : looks fade , brains don't . ”
top chef: what are you best at cooking?
“ best at cooking implies i can cook at all without starting a small kitchen fire . i'm better at hiring the right person to do the cooking . ”
the summer i turned pretty: what’s your ideal place to have a summer home?
“ monaco , preferably just outside monte carlo , we all romanticize a european summer , don't we ? ”
the good place: do you think other people think you’re a good person?
“ being a good person is subjective . i like to think , objectively of course , i check off quite a few boxes . my family likes to refer to me as mother thersea , so . ”
drive to survive: at the wheel, passenger prince(ss) or personal driver?
“ personal driver or ... passenger princess , so long as i'm not behind the wheel the roads stay safe . i'm a true new yorker in that sense . ”
“ way too harsh, c. ” corners of his mouth tug upwards into a playful smile, cast towards his cousin, as he swiveled the bar stool to face her. “ all work and no play makes mother theresa a dull bitch, ” he sung. it was too early, maybe even dangerous, to be messing with her. especially since he was hoping for her to pick up the tab. older cousin duty and all. “ thanksgiving. you had a gameplan ? ”
feigned shock as jaw goes slack , " i was nothing but pleasant . " she contests , tone a mock up of sincerity . leaning in closer , not out of secrecy of rhetoric but instead familial comfortability . " a dull bitch ? " hand to heart , " there must be some sort of karmic retribution for speaking to a patron saint like that . " setting her drink down . the blonde always having enjoyed his quips , even from a young age . so much so , she'd already slipped black amex to the bartender , without notice . it was typical on cora's part . " right , thanksgiving , " her parents always hosting some larger than life weekend upstate . " is it criminal to suggest we skip out on the drunksgiving and trade out bar hopping for a , " manicured fingertips tapping along the edge of bar to emulate a drum roll , " a ski trip ? am i showing my age ? "
" if we seat senator ocon and ambassador wyler at the same table , we wont make it to after dinner coffee and we'll have a room of undercaffienated senior members on our hands , so please , revise the seating chart , " the device lingers by her ear for a moment before she drops the call . an inaudible huff slipping past her lips , masked only as a warm smile given to the other sat beside her , just sweet enough to disarm . " sorry about that , " a brief wave of her phone in the air between them before setting the device down on the bar top -- screen down , as always . " where were we ? " her gaze flickering between them and signature drink now brought to rouge stained lips .
⋆˚࿐ [ romee strijd, cis woman, she/he ] hey, i think i just served CORALINE STRATTON ! you mean the THIRTY TWO year old CHARITY ORGANIZER known for their SUBTLE ACCESSORIES MATCHED WITH WITH PERFECTLY FORM FITTED DRESSES , SOMETIMES SUITS - APPROACHABLE YET UNTOUCHABLE ? no way, what did they order ? WHISKEY BLOSSOM. wow, no surprise for someone whose garnered a reputation for being MAGNETIC AND GUARDED. i heard the hostess say they were being targeted by @ROBINHOOD because of HER LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF HIGH PROFILE DONORS SHE'S HAD AFFAIRS WITH , BEING LEAKED. maybe it's just me but it doesn't align with the tabloids screaming about THE COMMAND OF ATTENTION WITHOUT RAISING YOUR VOICE , INSPIRED TRUST BROKEN UNDER THE DIM LIGHTING OF A HOTEL BAR ; THE LINGERING SCENT OF CITRUS AND VANILLA IN BLACKED OUT TOWN CARS ; SLIPPING AWAY TO A VACATION HOME TO SHED YOUR SINS , OR BURY YOURSELF DEEPER ; SMILES GILDED WITH SELF INTEREST whenever their name comes up. make sure to deliver the drink to the POLITICAL FAMILY VIP SUITE ( MAIN FAMILY / MIDDLE ) and let’s hope they're a good tipper. if not, i'll happily send in some stories of my own.
𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚃𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙲𝚂 :
* full name , coraline estelle stratton . nickname(s) , cora , cece . age , thirty two years old . date of birth , september thirteenth . place of birth , nantucket , massachusetts . hometown , new york city , new york . current residence , new york city , new york . nationality , american citizenship . languages , english ( first language ) , french ( second language ) , spanish ( conversational ) . gender , cis woman . pronouns , she / her . orientation , bisexual / biromantic . status , chronically single . occupation , charity organizer , founder of the stratton initiative . positive traits , magnetic , intelligent , reliable , endearing , ambitious . negative traits , manipulative , vengeful , sarcastic , self - interested , guarded . character parallels , olivia pope , jordan baker , margaery tyrell , wallis simpson , blair waldorf . zodiac , virgo .
* face claim , romee strijd . race , white . hair , sun - kissed blonde with a blend of ash undertones that fall into sleek loose waves , usually down with a slight wave past her shoulders or up in a well - done pony - tail . eyes , blue , cat - like eyes . height , five foot eleven inches . voice , slight vocal fry with a more monotone sound . usual expression , an unimpressed look ( notably known as a resting bitch face ) . tattoos , none . allergies , bees , lavender .
* biological father , archibald stratton . faceclaim , unknown . occupation , us senator ( career politician ) . biological mother , meredith stratton nee van buren . faceclaim , unknown . occupation , board member of the american bar association , heiress . half sister , emilienne rattanapong - stratton . faceclaim , davika hoorne . occupation , crissis management attorney . sibling , utp stratton . faceclaim , unknown . occupation , unknown . pet(s) , a golden doodle named bella . financial class , upper class : generational wealth . notable family members , felicity statton ( extended family , reality tv star ) , ivo stratton - spencer ( extended family , stock trader ) .
𝙵𝙸𝙻𝙴 : background . . . access granted .
born in nantucket , massachusetts , at the tail end of the summer of ‘93 . her very existence was a public secret . the daughter of meredith van buren , a high - profile us attorney , & archibald stratton a rising politician with a gilded smile . but archibald was married when coraline was conceived , to another woman — another family tucked away in new york . coraline was the product of an affair , a whispered rumor in country clubs and over silver spooned teas . her earliest memories are not of the ocean air of the island , though , they are of whispered “ i love you’s ” between her parents , her mother's perfume clinging to courtroom suits , of her father's booming laugh at dinner parties . coraline was too young , too bright eyed to realize her early years weren't normal ; her parents never allowed her to catch onto the truth … her hero was living a double life . by the time she was five , her father had divorced , and coraline and younger sibling had been absorbed into the new official stratton household in new york . the questionable promises of one day becoming a real family coming true when her parents had married . it was the kind of reinvention only wealth , power , and impeccable timing could manage without massive scandal .
from the start , coraline learned to navigate contradictions . she adored her father , undoubtedly a daddy's girl , but she understood early that love in her family was often wrapped in performance . archibald showed her off at campaign fundraisers as though she were his most brilliant campaign slogan . she didn't mind . to be chosen , to be favored , was intoxicating . her mother , on the other hand , demanded perfection with a quiet ferocity . coraline grew up in an environment where mistakes were not corrected , they were erased . she became hyper aware of every word she spoke , every expression she wore . by adolescence , she had mastered the art of giving just enough of herself to please those around her while keeping the rest locked away . still , coraline was never without small joys . she adored books , devouring anything she could get her hands on , from fairy tales to biographies of queens and first ladies . she sketched in the margins , kept notebooks filled with tiny observations , and even then understood the power of storytelling – perhaps because her own family story was constantly being rewritten . she spent summers in coastal massachusetts , where she collected seashells with an obsession that bordered on perfectionism , lining them up by size and sheen , as if even the tide could be tamed by a stratton .
she attended the dalton school , coraline's achievements were expected , not celebrated . she was valedictorian , but she would tell you that felt inevitable , not like a triumph . inside , she carried the pressure of living as the embodiment of her parents ambitions . to her peers , though , she was without flaw – approachable but somehow distant , magnetic but never reckless . they whispered about her poise , her enviable calm . she knew , and sometimes resented , that people mistook restraint for serenity . the summer before university , coraline stratton floated between nantucket's beaches and new york's rooftops , caught between girlhood and the world waiting for her . by day , she read psychology texts in linen dresses ; by night , she slipped into charity galas and dinners where champagne flowed and secrets lingered . there was a boy , there always way – older , too close – but coraline never confirmed the whispers , only smiled when asked . unbeknownst to most he was the first named etched into what would soon be known as her little black book . by august , with her ticket to england in hand , she seemed less like a debutante and more like a woman quietly rehearsing for the stage she knew was hers .
her years at oxford marked the first time she truly felt free , though freedom came in the form of carefully chosen rebellion . she studied economics and psychology , subjects her father praised as “ useful ” , but she also immersed herself in the world of the delilah's , an exclusive dining clubs where champagne flutes clinked louder than lectures . for once , coraline wasn't just her father's daughter or her mother's prodigy . she was herself – sharp , alluring , unapologetic . she flirted with power and flirted with people , sometimes one and the same . there are whispered stories ; a brief fling with a mediterranean royal , a summer spent drifting between the amalfi coast and monaco , coraline neither confirms or denies . what mattered wasn't the details , but the fact that she could hold her own in any room , with anyone . she began to understand that her presence was it's own currency .
returning to new york for columbia was less a choice and more an inevitability . duty pulled her back – the orbit of her father's political machine , her mother's legacy , the family name . yet , she was no longer a girl content to simply play her part . at columbia , she began shaping her own identity , transforming her parents relentless pressure into her own brand of ambition . she started small : luncheons , fundraisers , organizing charity events . but soon , her work crystallized into something larger : the stratton initiative , her non - profit devoted to education reform , mental health , and woman's empowerment . the public saw compassion ; coraline felt control . for once , she was building something that was hers – though even here , the whispers followed . too many donors with political ties . too many private dinners that's looked like strategy sessions .
there was a time the whispers of her following in her father's footsteps seemed inevitable , poised to step into electoral politics . she had the pedigree , the magnetism to charm a roomful of donors with a single glance . yet , what looked like inevitability unraveled quickly when whispers about her little black book began to circulate . the same list that made her invaluable as a charity organizer – high profile donors , many of whom blurred the lines between financial backers and romantic entanglements – became her greatest liability . for every adviser who told her she was born for office , another cautioned that leaked pages could end her career before it began . coraline , pragmatic as ever , did not fight the against it . instead , she chose grace , choosing the untouchable role of organizer over the bloodsport of candidacy . after all , in politics , power often lies not with the one on stage , but with the one who decides who takes the podium .
behind closed doors , coraline's personal life remained as carefully curated as her public one . she dated , of course , though rarely in ways that could be easily photographed . her lovers were often powerful , often older , often inconvenient . she knew what people said – the rumors of affairs with donors , the talks of her little black book that never quite quieted – but to her , intimacy was less about scandal and more about escape . in dim hotel bars or candlelit restaurants , she could momentarily be someone else , someone softer . yet , even in those moments , she never truly let her guard down . trust was a currency she rarely spent .
now thirty - two , coraline moves through the world with the confidence of someone who has been watched her entire life and learned to turn that scrutiny into armor . she knows the scent of scandal had always clung to her , from her very first breath , but she wears it like perfume – subtle , lingering , intoxicating . she has become magnetic and untouchable , a woman who commands attention without ever demanding it . she is warm enough to inspire loyalty , yet reserved enough to keep people guessing .
cruel summer , the guy from the summer before she went off to oxford . maybe they've known one another for the better part of their lives or maybe they'd just met then but either way they fell into a relationship that always had an expiration date . meant to simply be a bit of fun but quickly spiraled into something neither of them could control , ending that summer with the love word being exchanged . turning him into the age old , one that got away . now they've both moved on , in their own ways , but whenever they're around one another there's a tension between them , a quiet “ what if ” that leaves them avoiding each other or at least trying to more often than not . taken by , nicholas van rensselaer .
mirrorball , a friend who knows coraline's true self , this person is one of the few people who sees her beyond her public image . something of an emotional anchor but also a source of frustration when their loyalty to her well - being interferes with her ambitions . they push her to be more vulnerable to take risks and sometimes can do things or set things up that pull coraline out of her comfort zone but in the end , they're almost always right . taken by , minho kwon .
the last great american dynasty , a group of friends she's maintained since childhood , similar to that of the non - judging breakfast club from gossip girl . they were inseparable ; playdates , failed attempts at relationships , weeks spent at each other's vacation homes , catastrophic fallouts . in the end , all the drama and memories pulled them all closer and now even in adulthood while they're all as dramatic and messy as ever there isn't anything they wouldn't do for each other .
illicit affairs , these are the donors who make up the pages of her little black book – the rumors are true . these are the people backing her foundation as well as families campaigns at times : i'd love some she's cut ties with or they've cut ties with her but she pushes for their continued support ( maybe by blackmailing them with their past rendezvous ) , current affairs , and future donors she's working on . some of these relationships can have an undertone of genuine feelings while other's are simply a business transaction ( more or less on coraline's part ) , they could also incorporate tension where arguments over her foolishness to write them into her notebook becomes a point of contention .
it's nice to have a friend , this person pulls coraline out of her usual polished veneer : drunk nights , laughter bouncing off the walls as they pass through the hallway , late night drives . the public questions the genuine state of their relationship but they've never crossed the line . they're simply an escape for one another and coraline enjoys their friendship but their intentions aren't necessarily as pure as they seem – whether it's a romantic thing or a business thing is up for us to plot out but either way it's a harsh secret , and if it were to come out she'd never trust them again for it .
these are just a few ideas I had off the top of my head but coraline is open for any and everything !
