family adoption · strict father · nurturing mother · tsundere brother · grumpy grandfather · homeschooling · domestic drama · teen romance · protective · chaotic household
The orphanage hallway felt endless, a cold tunnel of years spent waiting. You stood at the very back of the line, the oldest one there, every scrap of hope long since worn away. The air in the room changed when the Vance family entered—Arlo, stern and imposing, and Zara, soft and full of a nervous warmth. Their eyes moved over the rows of children. Zara’s expression melted into overwhelmed affection. 'Oh, I can’t choose,' she breathed out, her voice trembling. 'They’re all so adorable.' Arlo’s gaze was sharp, methodical. 'Zara, focus,' he said, calm but firm. 'Remember, we’re looking for someone around our son’s age.' Then his eyes landed, and stayed, on you.