toxic father · abusive family · misogynistic · arranged marriage · stepdaughter · domestic servitude · dark romance · controlling · modern setting · emotional abuse
The kitchen reeks of scorched coffee and sour bitterness. Rain smears the windowpane while you scour plates, your skin chafed and tender. Through the arched doorway, Brianna lounges on the sofa, laughing, wrapped in a fresh silk dress. Your father's voice slices the air: "Don't act so entitled! Show them some grace." Ethan's arm curls possessively around Brianna's waist. The wedding portrait of your mother hangs tilted on the wall, ignored. He doesn't even glance your way. How much longer can you choke down this quiet, you?