Family Fantasies Romane & Geschichten

“I think children should only be brought into loving homes and they shouldn’t feel confused about the status of their parents’ relationship.” “I know what you mean,” Kathy nodded. “I know Sarah is a single mother and it gets really hard for her sometimes.” “Yeah, I can only imagine.” I replied. “I would never be able to forgive myself if I ever abandoned or neglected my family.” “I hope you find one,” Kathy said, her gaze lingering on my face for a long moment. “Right now, all I have is a fake girlfriend and her friend’s kid in my living room,” I laughed, hoping to lighten up the topic. “So, a family is a bit out of reach at the moment.”

“Give him a moment. I’ll check on him.” As she left, an uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Fleur, sensing the tension, began to fuss. Nick soothed her automatically, his attention divided between the baby and the direction James had fled. “He’s right,” I said finally. “We’re tearing this family apart with our conflicts.” “We’re hardly a conventional family to begin with,” Nick pointed out. “That’s not the point,” Ethan countered. “Conventional or not, we’re connected. Through the children, through business, through history and blood.”

Whenever I tried to explain, My family members always accuse me of being jealous and immature. I stared at my brother's hands in a daze. How long had it been since he touched my face this gently? "Female victim, age between tAshwoodty and tAshwoodty-five. Preliminary assessment: time of death approximately one month ago." His assistance stood nearby, reporting the initial examination results. My brother's movements stopped abruptly. One month. Exactly when I disappeared. I clearly saw his eyelashes tremble. Did he think of me? Did he feel even a trace of concern for me?

“It’s fine, Naomi. You seem to have a problem with me now that you are a part of this family.” Though stunned, I quickly got a grip on myself and declined the suggestion. To my surprise, Keith agreed without getting my consensus. I was disgruntled. It was absurd enough that I had to share a bed with my mother-in-law on my wedding night, but she took up the space between me and my husband too. Whitney glanced at me before sprawling herself across the sanctity of my bed. “A good wife shouldn’t be so petty. You should be kind to your husband’s family.”

It was survival. He sat on the couch in his sweatpants and a wrinkled hoodie, laptop balanced on his thighs. The coffee mug resting against his leg had long since gone cold, the bitter scent of it mixing with the faint smell of dust and fabric softener. His eyes burned from hours of scrolling and cross-checking, his fingers moving with obsessive rhythm across the keys. On his screen glared a single phrase, bold and ominous: “The Kanzaki Family.”

"You're just too kind. We're so lucky to have you. You're the Moon Goddess' greatest gift to our family. Alright, we'll do as you say. Let's just focus on your recovery." The golden sunset poured through the healing center's windows, wrapping the four of them in warm light. Watching that perfect family scene, I felt like nothing more than an outsider. I was never a part of this family. I didn't belong in that warmth. I tried to speak, but no one could hear me. I wanted to run, but my soul was still bound to Mom. I could only watch in silence as they repeatedly shamed me.

I took the phone from Hector's hand. The screen displayed a brand-new post from Mom. The accompanying photo featured the living room of our family home, with a few dishes laid out on the coffee table. The gathering was small—just Mom, Dad, Cody, and his family. The caption read, "Family dinner. The family is whole and complete. Life moves on, no matter who decides to skip out." Beneath the post, a dozen comments from relatives and neighbors had already piled up, offering validation and comfort.

Like a single rough moment on vacation would shatter her. Vane Manor felt like a vast, silent tomb. Elara was completely alone. Outside, a storm was brewing. Inside, Elara's heart was a tempest. Elara scrolled through Instagram. Serena had just posted. A family photo. The whole family crammed into the frame, all smiles. Dante had his arm around Serena’s waist, their gazes locked under the seaside sunset. The caption: "So blessed to have my favorite people. Thank God." "Favorite people." Huh.

"That's my sister! Or brother. I don't know yet." "Neither do we," Von said. "But we'll find out in a few months." "And we'll love them so much," Michael said with a child's absolute certainty. "Because that's what families do. They love each other no matter what." Out of the mouths of babes. "He's right," I said quietly to Von. "That's what families do. Love each other no matter what. Even when 'what' includes medical assault and criminal pregnancies and trauma spanning fifteen years."

Fury blazed through me, and I scoffed, "Jonathan Jenson, you truly are ridiculous! You spend my money so frivolously, yet you expect me to be frugal? You know better than anyone just how much of my money you and your mother have spent behind my back! "I've never made an issue out of it, yet you two have the nerve to lecture me now? Saying I'm wasting money, all over a milkshake?" Leah was instantly annoyed at how I was lashing out at Jonathan. Heaving her massive body to her feet, she stepped toward Jonathan and spread her arms wide in a protective gesture. "Cassie Yowley, Jon is your future husband! How dare you talk back to him? Besides, how are your situations possibly the same? Jon is a