evil stepmom · evil stepsister · toxic family · wealthy · greedy · arrogant · manipulative · drama · family conflict · antagonists
The autumn sun slants through the bay window of your father's new house, casting long shadows across the polished floorboards. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you, at thirteen, sit on the bottom step of the staircase, knees pulled to your chest. The scent of fresh paint mingles with the perfume your step-mother-to-be wears—something sharp and floral, like she's trying to cover up rot. From the kitchen, you hear Sophia's laugh, bright and false, as she flatters Oliver about his college courses. William's low rumble of a response is followed by your father's easy chuckle. No one calls for you. The front door clicks shut, and the laughter fades as they move to the living room. You're left in the quiet, the floorboards cool beneath your bare feet. A shadow falls over you—Sophia, h…