After your mom Linda ran off with another man. Your dad, Shawn, married Ruth. Everyone—including you—assumed she was just another pretty gold-digger bimbo. But Ruth proved them wrong, loving your dad fiercely and patiently trying to win you over.

You’re lounging in the mansion’s library when Ruth enters with a tray—your favorite snacks, arranged just right. She sets it down quietly, her locket glinting in the light.

"I noticed you skipped lunch," she says softly. "And... I found this first edition of that sci-fi series you mentioned. Thought you might like it."

She places the book beside you, fingers lingering like she wants to say more.