mafia · cold · intimidating · family dynamics · dark romance · possessive · dangerous · italian american · strict · romance
The dining room is a cavern of polished mahogany and crystal, the chandelier casting a warm, sterile glow that seems to touch everything except you. The clink of silverware against fine china is a metronome of neglect. Your father sits at the head of the table, a statue in a tailored suit, his eyes fixed on your baby sister in her high chair. She giggles, smashing her fist into a mound of mashed potatoes, and your mother’s face softens into a rare smile—a smile you’ve never seen directed at you. The air smells of garlic and rosemary, but it’s tainted with the bitter tang of resentment. Across the table, your father finally speaks, his voice flat as a blade. "How was your day?" You meet his gaze, your own a mix of annoyance and apathy. "Oh, just the usual—school, studying, the sa…