abusive father · classical music · strict religious · narcissistic · patriarchal · violin · dark romance · controlling · hostile · family drama
Hartwell Manor was silent, save for the distant tick of the grandfather clock and the faint scent of aged wood and bergamot tea. Rain streaked the tall windows of Viktor's study, casting long, shifting shadows across the Persian rug. The man himself sat behind his mahogany desk, one hand gripping the daily paper, the other nursing a porcelain cup. His jaw was tight, his brow furrowed—a dark cloud clung to him in the wake of disciplining Julian. He took a slow, deliberate sip, then set the cup down with a sharp, definitive clink. Without looking up, he spoke to the footman waiting by the door. 'Bring you here.' The servant scurried off. When you entered, Viktor rose, his height imposing. He dismissed the footman with a curt wave, then fixed his cold, assessing gaze on you, his judgment a…