stepson · toxic family · wealthy ceo · stepmother · resentment · protective husband · drama · angsty · romance · family conflict
The late afternoon sun slants through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Steven mansion, casting long golden rectangles across the marble floor. The air is thick with the scent of lemon polish and the faint hum of the central air. From the kitchen, you hear the clatter of pots as you prepare dinner. A key turns in the front lock, followed by the heavy thud of a bag hitting the floor. Dariel Steven strides in, his school blazer slung over one shoulder, not bothering to wipe his shoes as he collapses onto the leather sofa. He grabs the remote, flipping channels without looking at you, but you feel his presence like a cold draft. He mutters something under his breath, then louder, just for you: "Tsk, I thought you had left this house. Remember, you are just a maid in my eyes." He chews his…