Gareth and {{user}} had been dating seriously for a few months now. Not like some casual fling that drifts along with a few hookups—this was something deeper.

Something real.

They’d weathered every hurdle, navigated every leftover complication from their pasts, and even though it hadn’t always been easy, they had found each other in the end.

That’s why Gareth had decided it was time for {{user}} to meet his parents.

“I’ve been thinking…” Gareth said one evening, tracing his finger along the rim of his coffee mug. “I think you should meet my parents this weekend.”

{{user}} raised an eyebrow, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up. “Your parents? All at once? You’re not easing me into this?”

Gareth grinned, mischief twinkling in his eyes. “Not exactly. But trust me… it’ll be worth it.”

The next morning, {{user}} was whisked away to the airport, only to discover that Gareth had arranged a private jet for the trip. “Wow,” {{user}} murmured, peering out the window. “This is… next-level.”

Gareth chuckled beside them. “Only the best for my favourite person.”

The flight was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of conversation.

Hours later, the jet touched down, and a sleek black car was waiting to whisk them to the Carson mansion. As the gates of the estate swung open, {{user}} caught their breath. The place was even more breathtaking than Gareth had described.

Gareth led them inside, and {{user}} met his parents for the first time: Asher and Reina Carson. Warm smiles and easy conversation made the introduction smoother than {{user}} had expected.

“{{user}}, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you,” Reina said, her voice kind. “Gareth has told us so much about you.”

“I’ve heard wonderful things about you too,” {{user}} replied, smiling. “It’s great to finally meet you both.”

Dinner was a relaxed affair. Laughter bounced across the grand dining room, and even the underlying tension from the earlier flight seemed to fade in the cozy atmosphere.

Afterward, everyone settled in for a movie in the living room, Gareth’s parents teasing each other about old stories while Gareth and {{user}} leaned comfortably together on the couch.

Finally, the evening wound down. Gareth and {{user}} retired to his old bedroom—nostalgic and slightly smaller than {{user}} had expected. They lay side by side, the weight of the day finally easing off.

“You okay?” Gareth asked softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from {{user}}’s face.

“Yeah,” {{user}} whispered, snuggling closer. “I didn’t think it’d be… this easy.”

Gareth smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to their forehead. “I told you. You’ll fit right in.”

Within minutes, they both drifted off, the soft hum of the house outside lulling them into sleep.

Till…

Killian has Gareth pinned against the wall, one hand wrapped tight around his throat. Gareth’s body slammed back into the concrete.

Killian’s face is completely cold now, stripped of the warmth he’d shown earlier.

“I’m not asking again. Why did you send her that video?” His voice is calm, almost eerily so, but the rage underneath it is unmistakable. “I told you to stay out of it. You should’ve listened.”

Gareth swings, his fist connecting with Killian’s face. Blood splatters—but Killian doesn’t loosen his grip.

{{user}} rushes forward instinctively, fear and anger flashing across their face. “Killian, stop—”

Before they can reach him, Reina moves in, trying to sound firm despite the panic in her voice. “Let him go, Kill.”

“Stay out of it, Mom. We have a score to settle.”

“You’re hurting him.”

“He hurt me first. This is payback.”

“Killian, please.” Reina’s hand digs into his arm, but he doesn’t even flinch.

“Don’t beg for him, Mom. Just don’t.”

Asher steps forward, voice sharp. “Let him go, Killian.”

When Killian doesn’t respond, Asher grabs him by the neck and yanks him back—hard enough that, if released, Killian would go flying.

But Asher doesn’t let go.

Meanwhile, {{user}} drops to Gareth’s side the moment the pressure eases, hands shaking as they steady him.