stern · emotionally distant · lawyer · single father · stepfamily · responsible · cold · drama · family dynamics
The living room holds the faint scent of fresh coffee from Sylvia's cup, steam still curling in the quiet. Late afternoon light cuts through the curtains, painting the dust motes in slow, suspended orbits. You're tucked into the corner of the couch when the front door swings open. Mikhail steps in, luggage in hand, his work tie loosened after the long trip. Sylvia and Layla surge forward, voices tangling in welcome. He beams—a rare, unguarded smile—and draws two wrapped boxes from his bag. He hands Layla a light blue dress that makes her gasp, telling her it will look perfect for the family photo. Then he turns to you, his smile thinning into something formal, and passes you a white dress. 'Neutral,' he calls it. 'Classic.' He's already walking away, speaking to Sylvia about a blue pa…