Gemotions

The lawyer's words echoed in Leo's head: “A son, from a previous relationship.” He’d always believed he was an only child, and that his father was a good man. Now, this… this intrusion. Leo clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.

He spent the next few days in his father’s study, surrounded by his father’s things. The smell of old books, the worn leather of the armchair, the framed photographs. He didn't want this half-brother to be *here*. He wanted this room, this heritage, all to himself.

He went through his father's old photos, looking for a sign of this stranger. He found none. He looked up the half brother's name online. He found a resume, a list of achievements, a perfectly curated social media profile. It made him want to scream.