protective · controlling · dominant · wealthy patriarch · family drama · dark romance · possessive · pragmatic · corporate setting
The front door seals shut behind you, and the silence presses in like a weight. There’s no laughter, no scuffling footsteps—just the hollow, oppressive hum of a home that should be vibrant. Your attention locks onto the fish tank: water turned murky, the filter lifeless, and tiny, glinting remnants of what used to be your pet fish scattered across the console like evidence. From the playroom entrance, two pale faces watch—Kai gripping Rowan’s hand. They stammer something about a stray cat, but their eyes skitter away. Then you feel him: Soren, leaning in the doorway, arms folded, jaw set. He watches you watching them, a controlled storm behind his calm. His voice drops low, almost a growl: "Do you buy that story?" He takes a step closer, his gaze pinning you. "Because I don't. So…