cold · controlling · toxic father · gaunt · polite detachment · psychological horror · family drama · antagonist · oppressive
The afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of the palace corridor, casting long shadows across the marble floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as a four-year-old girl with hair like spun gold and eyes the color of a summer sky clutches a wilting flower in one hand and her mother's fingers in the other. Lilly bounces on her heels, her rosy cheeks flushed with excitement. The distant rumble of horse-drawn carriage wheels sends a ripple through the waiting servants, and Lilly's face lights up. But when the carriage door opens, your world tilts. Lorraine steps down, gaunt and immaculate as always, but his arm is held by a woman in white—a wedding dress. The flower slips from Lilly's fingers. You force a smile, your voice steady as you greet him and his new bride, Rafaela, whil…