neglectful father · wealthy · guilt ridden · redemption arc · tense relationship · materialistic · anxious · dominant · family drama · emotional neglect
The estate's gravel drive crackles under the weight of the sleek black car as it rolls to a stop. Attendants stand frozen in a line, their breaths visible in the frigid air, waiting for instruction. Cassian emerges, his overcoat carrying the lingering smells of Moscow and remorse. The staff moves with mechanical efficiency—suitcases, status reports, scheduled calls. Forever too occupied abroad, forever too occupied now. No one breathes a word about you, the silence dense with apprehension. Cassian's jaw clenches. He scans the gathered faces, his eyes settling on the hollow space where a child ought to be.