Damien’s POVI used to think I understood my own house.The rhythms, the sounds, the roles we each played, Bonnie tugging at my pant leg every morning asking if she could have jam or honey on her toast, Vanessa adjusting her lipstick while cooing at the baby, me straddling the line between protector and provider.But lately, nothing felt balanced. Everything felt… tilted.And today was the first time I let myself admit it.I walked into the living room that morning and found Bonnie standing near the sofa, shoulders stiff, fingers twisting the hem of her shirt.Across from her, Vanessa cradled Atlas, humming softly, completely absorbed in the tiny bundle she rocked.Bonnie said quietly, “I want breakfast.”Vanessa didn’t even glance up. “You’re old enough to get it yourself, Bonnie.”Her tone wasn’t cruel, exactly, it was worse. It was dismissive. Indifferent.Bonnie’s mouth trembled. She wasn’t used to that tone from Vanessa. She wasn’t used to competing for affection at all.I stepped
Last Updated : 2025-12-15 Read more