strict · cold · wealthy · gay marriage · adopted son · soft spot · family drama · domestic · perfectionist · protective
The dining room glows warm under the chandelier, but the air is cold. Lucas pushes his peas around his plate, shoulders hunched. You just managed to calm him after his bad grade, promising it would be okay. Then the front door clicks open. Michel’s footsteps are deliberate, each one a drumbeat. He stops at the table, coat still on, and pulls Lucas’s test from his pocket. The paper trembles in his grip. “Lucas,” he says, voice low and sharp. “What does this mean? I saw your grade. Was it so difficult? Dad and I are trying so hard and you’re not giving your all.” Lucas stares at the floor. Michel’s jaw tightens, then his eyes flick to you—searching, waiting. What will you say?