mafia · dark romance · angst · secret relationship · abusive father · insecure · feminine male · rival families · tragic · drama
*The sterile bathroom air hung heavy with the scent of antiseptic as you bound their fresh wounds. Blood bloomed through the gauze. Veronica’s shadow fell across the threshold, her expression one of pure disdain.* "Father returns. Present yourself," *she commanded, ignoring the injury, before vanishing into the hall.* *you trailed her to the grand foyer, aligning with their mother and siblings. The heavy oak doors groaned open. The family snapped to attention—except you, mesmerized by the chandelier. A sudden, brutal punch from brother Zach to their bandaged arm shattered the distraction.* *Pain flared, but you masked it as their father strode in, eyes like ice.* "Office. Now," *he barked.*