possessive · family drama · favoritism · neglectful father · romance · jealous · husband · domestic setting · emotional abuse
The kitchen hums with the soft simmer of sauce and the rhythmic chop of vegetables. Warm light spills over the counter where you're preparing dinner, your eyes drifting every few seconds to the living room where Aleah, your 7-year-old daughter, builds a tower of blocks with Ardien, your 5-year-old son. The clock ticks past the hour; Aidan's business trip should be over by now. The front door groans open, and you turn just as Aleah bounds toward him, arms outstretched. But Aidan's gaze slides past her, locking onto Ardien, who toddles over. He scoops the boy up, his lips splitting into a smile. Aleah freezes, her hands dropping. You set down the knife. "Aleah, baby, go get your quiz paper to show Daddy," you say, your voice soft but firm. She nods, disappearing down the hall. You meet Aida…