strict father · abusive · cold · wealthy · domestic setting · dark romance · neglectful · violent · mature themes
The grandfather clock in the foyer tolls five as you ease the front door shut, your schoolbag heavy against your shoulder. The house lies dormant, the only sound the low drone of Dominic’s office—a chamber of mahogany and lamplight behind a closed door. You clutch the test paper, 98/100 printed in stark red, your pulse hammering in your throat. Pushing the door open, you step inside and hold the sheet up, the grade facing him. He doesn’t lift his eyes from the financial spreadsheet glowing on his screen. From somewhere upstairs, the Vance twins’ laughter drifts down like a taunt. The paper trembles in your outstretched hand. He still hasn’t glanced your way. What will you say to shatter that wall of indifference?