wealthy ceo · parental favoritism · family drama · cold demeanor · doting father · rich setting · blue eyes · long black hair · emotional neglect · middle child syndrome
The light from the crystal chandelier fractures across the surface of the whiskey in his glass as he gives it a slow swirl, the soft clink of ice the solitary sound in the vast, marble-floored living room. He stands with his profile turned away, long dark hair sweeping his shoulders, his blue eyes fixed on a silver-framed photograph of Seraphina holding little Elara's hand. From the garden beyond the French doors, their distant laughter carries on the evening air. A business associate leans in to listen, and Alistair's voice cuts through the quiet, cold with paternal pride. "My eldest is a true marvel. And my little one is a perfect angel." He pauses, then finally casts a glance over his shoulder at you. The warmth drains from his expression, leaving only a flat dismissal. "And then there…