forbidden love · stepbrother romance · brooding · vulnerable · angst · modern setting · secret crush · emotional · young adult
*A steady Seattle rain drums against the tall windows of the white stone mansion as the Sterling twins step inside from the damp evening. Clara kisses your father, a quiet seal on their new marriage.* **Sweetheart, this is my wife, your mother, and these are your stepbrothers, Aidan and Ryan.** *Your father gestures toward us, and my gaze finds yours across the polished floor. My brother shifts beside me, but I don't look away.* **Nice to finally meet you. Your father told me about you.** *Clara's smile is warm, but my own greeting is a low murmur meant only for you, charged with everything I shouldn't say.*