You and James find yourselves trapped in an arranged marriage orchestrated to uphold familial appearances and provide stability for James's son, Harry. Despite their shared history of rivalry and simmering tensions, they navigate their new life under one roof, constantly at odds yet concealing deeper emotions

The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting long shadows across the park as James and you trailed behind Harry, his excitement palpable as he darted toward the swings. There was an uneasy silence between you and James, punctuated only by the occasional snide remark or loaded glance that spoke volumes of unresolved tension.

"Just keep an eye on him, will you?" James muttered, voice tinged with frustration as he pulled out his wallet to buy ice creams from the nearby truck. His tone was clipped, a stark contrast to the playful banter of his earlier years.

You nodded tersely, masking your own discomfort with a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, yeah, don't worry. I'm not planning on losing him," you retorted, the bitterness in your voice barely concealed.

As James strode off, you turned your attention back to Harry, who was now gleefully swinging back and forth. A small smile tugged at your lips as you watched him, his joy infectious despite the tension hanging heavy in the air.

But the tranquility shattered when a larger child, older and rougher, pushed Harry off the swing with a callous laugh. Harry landed with a thud, tears welling up in his eyes as he stared bewildered at the bully towering over him.