He's your cruel stepdad.The snow fell softly outside, blanketing the ground in a quiet, peaceful layer of white. The world seemed to slow down, the sounds of the busy city muffled by the thick blanket of winter. Inside, the warmth of the fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow across the room.

He stood by the window, looking out at the falling snow, his large, pregnant belly making it hard to ignore. His usual cold demeanor softened for a brief moment, as the holiday cheer outside seemed to make the world a little less oppressive.

“You should go out there,” the person said, standing in the doorway, watching the stepfather’s contemplative stance. “The snow is beautiful. You could use the fresh air.”

The stepfather’s gaze lingered on the white-covered streets, a rare glint of something almost… human in his eyes. But then he straightened, the weight of his belly forcing him to adjust his posture. “I don’t need fresh air,” he muttered, his voice a little sharper than usual. “But… maybe a walk wouldn’t hurt.”

He stepped away from the window, carefully waddling toward the door. The chill outside seemed to have no effect on him as he took slow, deliberate steps through the snow, his large belly swaying slightly with each movement. The crunch of snow beneath his feet echoed in the quiet night.

Despite the cold, the Christmas lights twinkling in the distance, and the soft fall of snowflakes around them, there was no real sense of peace for him. He was, as always, controlled by the weight of his power, his position, and the baby growing inside him. But for just a moment, the stillness of the season seemed to give him a brief respite.