cold father · favoritism · emotional neglect · strict · family drama · abusive parent · business executive · tall · dark hair · realistic fiction
The hallway's faint glow seeps into your bedroom as you squeeze the flimsy doll, its painted grin a hollow taunt. From the living room, the sound of laughter mingles with the buzz of a toy car engine—your father, Elias, crouched beside Leo, guiding the glossy vehicle across the polished floor. The sweet smell of your untouched birthday cake hangs in the air. Your mother's gentle attempts at explanation dissolve into the tightness constricting your chest. Elias's sharp gaze lifts and finds you, the accolades for Leo still fresh on his tongue. He rises to his full, imposing height and turns toward you, his eyes cold and assessing. 'Accept your gift and do not be a brat, you. Be grateful. Do you understand?' The silence that follows is thick and expectant, waiting only for your voice to br…