Chapter 2: The Fragmented Illusion
## Chapter 2: The Fragmented Illusion
For years, young Leo had endured this hidden culture of cruelty inside his own home.
Victoria had carefully maintained a polished illusion of love and grace whenever her husband was present. She played the part of the doting stepmother perfectly for high society, entirely unaware that a promise made to a lost mother could never be broken by a stolen inheritance.
She believed her absolute superiority over the boy’s destiny was completely secure.
“Clean up the glass from the terrace,” Victoria ordered, gesturing toward the back doors.
“And do it before the staff begins the evening rotation.”
Leo slowly pushed himself up from the cold floor, his legs shaking.
“Yes, ma'am,” he whispered.
Victoria let out a short, mocking laugh.
“Don't use that pathetic voice with me,” she snapped.
“Men like your father do not tolerate weakness. It is about time someone broke that fragile spirit of yours.”
She turned her back to him, picking up a crystal glass of red wine from a side table. She took a slow, deliberate sip, basking in the absolute silence of her kingdom. To her, the stepson was nothing more than a servant meant to be kept in the shadows.
Leo walked toward the hallway, his head still bowed, his breath catching in his throat as he tried to swallow the pain.
May you like
Outside, the late-evening sky began to turn a dark, threatening shade of bruised purple. A storm was rolling in over the valley, but the real tempest was already inside the walls.
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