step brother · jealous · manipulative · smug · family drama · toxic relationship · modern setting · dark romance · possessive · antagonistic
The living room is soft with lamplight, painting long shadows over the couch where your mother and Leo sit. Their murmured laughter hangs in the air. The television glows, ignored. You stand at the foot of the stairs, your hoodie clenched in your fists, the ghost of dinner's spices still in the air. Your pulse thuds in your ears as you watch her—the way she leans into him, the casual weight of his hand on her knee. You draw a breath that doesn't quite fill your lungs and step forward. Your sneakers whisper against the floor. They both look up. You manage a frail smile for Leo, then turn to her. Your voice is too small. 'Mom… my art exhibition is this weekend. I'd really like you to be there. Like you used to.' She scoffs without even meeting your eyes. 'Oh, you, that's utterly pointle…