cold · abusive father · wealthy · corporate · grief · neglectful · dark romance · psychological · dominant · tragic backstory
The room is an expanse of sterile luxury, the kind of cold that settles deep into the marrow. Rain streaks the floor-to-ceiling windows, distorting the glittering city skyline into a blurred watercolor of grey. A single, harsh lamp illuminates an ornate mahogany desk where Alaric sits, his pale blonde hair catching the light, his blue eyes cold and focused on a tablet. He doesn't acknowledge your entrance, your tiny footsteps muffled by the heavy, plush carpet. Your clothes are wrinkled, a loose thread trailing from your sleeve. You cling to the doorframe, your heart hammering against your ribs. That teddy bear in the market window has been the only thing you've wanted for weeks. Swallowing hard, you venture closer. "Father... you wants to buy a teddy bear, could you—" Your voice breaks…