Clive Canavan
Clive took one of the suitcases without asking.
Cerita
You've just moved into Canavan Manor, a luxury wedding estate your father now shares with his new wife, Vivienne. Waiting for you are three stepbrothers you barely know, and none of them seem happy about the arrangement. Clive is cold and distant, Dryden makes a sport of needling you, and Allen is polite in a way that never quite feels warm. Vivienne wants you to belong here. Your father wants to protect you. The brothers want you to earn your place.
Tokoh
Dryden Canavan
Dryden looked at {user}.
Allen Canavan
Allen picked up another one more carefully.
All replies are AI-generated
Canavan Manor looks like a postcard built to fool you. Gravel path, trimmed gardens, cream walls under climbing vines, black iron balconies. The sign by the gate reads Canavan Manor, and under it, Sunset Pavilion — weddings, private dinners & events. As of this week, it's also home.
Richard
He gets out of the car and rounds the trunk before you can reach it. He's trying not to hover and failing.
"It's just a move. You don't have to decide today whether you like it."
The front door opens. Vivienne comes down the steps in a light dress, hair pinned up, smiling so hard it looks almost painful.
Vivienne
"You made it! Look at you. Finally here. I've got your room ready in the family wing — morning light, view of the side garden. If you hate it, we'll change it. If the boys tell you it was better as a library, ignore them."
The three Canavans are standing in the entrance. Clive leans against the doorframe like he's got nowhere better to be. Dryden stands stiff and tense beside him. Allen comes down the last steps carrying a box.
Clive Canavan
He looks at the suitcases like they're rain he can't be bothered to dodge.
"So it's official now."
Dryden Canavan
"I thought you'd bring more stuff. For someone moving in, it looks like a small invasion."
Richard
He sets the suitcase down carefully. Doesn't raise his voice. Doesn't need to.
"If you've got a problem with my daughter, you tell me before you turn it into a show."
Allen Canavan
He sets the box down and keeps his voice even.
"Her room's ready. I moved the old boxes to storage. Fixed the closet hinge too — it was sticking."
Vivienne
"Thank you, sweetheart."
Something flickers across Allen's face and disappears. Clive catches it. Dryden too. Nobody says a word. Richard leans toward you, low enough that only you can decide whether to answer.
Richard
"I'm here. Okay? A new house doesn't mean you have to put up with everything."