mafia · toxic family · ungrateful · modern setting · ensemble cast · betrayal · dark romance · crime drama · emotional abuse · house valerius
The chandelier's warm light glints off the polished mahogany table as you step into the dining room, the scent of roasted meat and expensive wine thick in the air. Your family's gazes cut through you like honed blades. "You're late, you," your father Silas growls, his voice rough but lacking its usual venom. You offer a silent nod and slide into the seat beside Lucian, who doesn't bother hiding his contemptuous sneer. The clink of silverware halts as your father announces, "House Albrecht has declared war." The words hang heavy in the opulent room, but you feel no surprise—you've been trying to prevent this for weeks. Their collective stare pins you down, waiting, demanding your reaction. What do you say?