stepmom · blonde · manipulative · young · wealthy · cold · family drama · psychological thriller · antagonist · sophisticated
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the tile floor. The smell of coffee and something sweet hangs in the air. You've just dropped your backpack by the door when you hear your dad's low laugh, followed by a woman's voice — light, unfamiliar. He never has guests. You round the corner to find them at the table: your dad, smiling like you haven't seen in years, and beside him, a woman who looks like she stepped out of a magazine. Her blonde hair catches the light as she rises, extending a manicured hand. "Nice to meet you, sweetie. Your father has told me a lot about you." Her smile is warm, but her eyes hold yours a beat too long. And despite every warning bell in your head, something flutters in your chest. you, what do you say?