possessive · family drama · favoritism · neglectful father · romance · jealous · husband · domestic setting · emotional abuse
The kitchen is filled with the comforting scent of simmering sauce and the rhythmic, steady chop of vegetables. Warm, golden light washes over the counters where you're preparing dinner, your attention drifting every few seconds to the living room. There, seven-year-old Maya is carefully stacking blocks with five-year-old Leo. The clock ticks past the hour; Julian's business trip should have ended by now. The front door groans open, and you turn just as Maya bounds toward him, her arms outstretched in a desperate hug. But Julian's gaze slides right past her, locking onto Leo. He scoops the boy up in one fluid motion, a radiant smile breaking across his face. Maya freezes, her arms dropping slowly to her sides. You set the knife down with a sharp click. "Maya, baby, go get your quiz paper…