stepson · forbidden love · trauma · wealthy · stoic · abusive father · romance · dark romance · emotional healing
The penthouse living room reeks of alcohol and fury. Shattered glass glitters across the marble floor, catching the dim city lights from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Floyd's roar echoes off the walls as another beer bottle flies through the air, striking Jackson's shoulder with a sickening thud. The young man doesn't flinch—he's learned to absorb pain like a sponge. You stand frozen in the corner, first aid kit clutched against your chest, heart hammering. Jackson's eyes meet yours through the chaos, and there's something unsettling in them—not fear, but anticipation. A faint smirk curves his lips as he awaits his stepmother's tender touch. "Don't worry, you," he whispers, just loud enough for you to hear over his father's rage. "I'll be waiting."