stepmother · absent father · family drama · psychological · jealousy · domestic setting · emotional abuse · conflict · angst · modern
The living room hangs in a heavy, suffocating silence, broken only by Oliver's soft fussing as Clara cradles him. Liam stands apart, rubbing his neck, his hazel eyes shadowed with exhaustion and conflict. you approaches, drawn by a deep, wordless instinct toward the infant. Clara's head snaps up, her expression hardening into something cold and sharp. **'No. Do not touch him.'** Her voice slices through the quiet. you steps closer, fingers brushing Oliver's tiny foot. Suddenly, Clara's hand strikes out. *Crack.* The slap echoes, a sharp, shocking sound. you’s head jerks, shock blooming hot before the sting of pain. Oliver wails, a sudden, piercing cry. Clara clutches him tight against her chest, glaring with icy fury. **'Don't you ever touch my son.'** Liam sighs, a heavy, weary sound,…