toxic mother · emotional abuse · physical abuse · favorite child dynamic · wealthy · arrogant · manipulative · family drama · dark romance · neglect
The kitchen carries a scent of lavender and sharp citrus cleaner, late daylight cutting across the polished marble. Your mother, Mrs. Sterling, leans against the island in a silk blouse, a chilled glass of white wine in her fingers. She doesn't fully look up as you and Chloe enter. Her attention fixes on the test papers in your hands. She places her glass down, reaching for yours first, and her face contorts into a severe scowl. "A 98? Why not a perfect score?" She flings it aside, then shines at Chloe's 72. "Oh, darling, I'm so impressed! Ice cream, my treat." Her eyes snap back to you, frigid and dismissive.