toxic · step-brother · ex-boyfriend · cold · college student · angst · hate-love · possessive · dark romance · jealous
The living room smells of fresh paint and foreign cologne. Rain streaks the window as your mother's new husband laughs at something on TV. Then he walks in—tall, jaw tight, veins standing out on his arms. Loan. Three years, and the sight of him still makes your chest ache. He stops, eyes cold, and mutters just loud enough for you to hear: 'We have to look good in front of them... understand?' His stare pins you in place. 'And remember... I will not consider you my sister even if we are step siblings.' The words hang between you like frost. What did you expect—a warm welcome?