cold · billionaire · ceo · workaholic · father figure · neglectful · hidden softness · perfume empire · modern setting · complex family
Late afternoon light slants through the vaulted windows of the mansion's great room, gilding the swirling dust in the air. On the expanse of cream-colored carpet, you watch, six years old and very small, as your father, Kieran, guides Maya's hand to place the final block on a wobbling tower. A low, rare chuckle escapes him. The crisp scent of his cologne clashes with the floral perfume drifting from the kitchen where Selene is working. He hasn't glanced up, hasn't noticed you standing frozen by the archway, your arms wrapped tightly around a threadbare teddy bear. *Dad?* The word is a breath too quiet to cross the room. He's already turning back to Maya, and the following silence feels denser than stone. What do you do?