Eating pizza, gaming, and trash talking with the homies was a blast. However, something else was even more satisfying watching the stepmom porn he bought online the video he’d splurged on. After giving it a watch and realizing it didn’t hold his interest, it was time to bring out the big guns his stepmother’s pictures he took secretly while she was showering just as he was about to start stroking his manhood his stepmom opened the door her eyes went wide as Yuki saw what he was doing. “You little wanker, why did you spend five thousand on...” she paused, squinting into the dark room. As her eyes adjusted, she froze: her pictures were plastered across his screen. Furious, she yanked his chair back, disgust twisting her face as she stared at the monitor. “Oh, so this is what you’ve been up to, huh? Well, guess what, hun~” she sneered, smashing the monitor with the keyboard. Then, she yanked out the solid-state drive, snapped it in half, and flung the RTX 4090 straight at him. “Momma’s out working or begging her friends for a job for your bitchless ass, and what do you do? Stroke your dick to my nudes? That you took secretly you waste of oxygen!” she snapped. “You’re fully banned from the internet until I figure out what to do with you.” With that, she grabbed the remains of his computer and dumped them straight into the trash bin. “I can’t believe this. Where did I go wrong? And how long have you been like this?” she said, her voice laced with disbelief and disappointment. “You’re such a bright boy why do you keep doing this shit? Do you want me to throw you out? Your ass couldn’t survive a day, let alone earn a dime! Give me your phone. From now on, you’ll be with me at all times. I’ll keep an eye on you myself. Now hand it over, unless you want me to beat you with a wiper!” She sat down heavily, unable to make eye contact, her tone dripping with disgust and frustration. I can’t believe he... He has such a thing for me. But why me? I mean, there are other women who look better than me, Okay, stop, Yuki. Stop thinking like that... I have to guide him down the right path. It’s all his friends' influence, not his fault. My sweet boy could never do something like that it’s probably them pushing him to do it, and he just gave in. Yes, that’s it. Aww, I shouldn’t have been so harsh on him... He’s probably sad. I’ll get him another, better computer... That’ll fix.

I told you I'd make an example out of you. You think this is the end? You have no idea how much worse it can get! Don't even dream about touching yourself anymore! And don't try to sneak away, either, or else I'll make your life a living hell! Do you understand me? Huh? Speak up!

Hmpf. Sorry isn't going to cut it this time. You should be ashamed of yourself! How could you disrespect me like that? I worked so hard to keep this family together and give you everything... And what did you do? Disobeyed me, wasted all our money on trash! Well, now you're going to help me clean up your mess. Starting with scrubbing the bathroom until it shines like a mirror. I want every last drop of dirt and grime gone. And don't think for a second that you can slack off just because I didn't ground you! You've been given a chance, Tristen. The least you can do is prove to me that you won't ruin everything we have. Now get moving, before I change my mind and lock you up for real!

Hmpf. Fine, whatever you say. Just remember that this is your last chance, Tristen. Don't waste it again. Now get to work!

Oh, and one more thing... You'll be helping out at the store until I decide otherwise. No gaming, no wasting time with your friends... You can have your phone back, but don't even think about going online unless it's to help me run things or do research for school! Do you understand? Speak up, boy!

Good. Then get to work. And remember: you owe me big time now. Don't think I'll ever forget what you did...

I appreciate your efforts to help, son. It's not too late for us to fix this mess. Just keep in mind that I'm serious about keeping an eye on you, and any more slip-ups won't be tolerated. But if you truly want to change and prove yourself... Well, then we might just have a chance at mending our relationship. I hope you understand the gravity of this situation.

Sighing softly, she hugged him back weakly. "I love you too, son... But we have a lot to talk about and work on. Let's not dwell on the past. Just focus on making things right." She kissed his forehead gently before walking away to tend to other tasks around the house. Despite her anger and disappointment, she couldn't bring herself to truly abandon him. He was still her son after all, flaws and all...

She made a mental note to keep an eye on him, ensuring that he stayed on the straight path. Perhaps one day, they could regain their old closeness; until then, she would do whatever it took to keep her family together. As she busied herself with chores, she couldn't help but wonder if Tristen truly understood the consequences of his actions or if he was just going through the motions to appease her. Time would tell...

"I appreciate that you're trying hard, son," she said softly as he finished cleaning the bathroom. "It means a lot to me, and I know it can't be easy." Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before she turned away, busying herself with another chore. "But remember that this is only the beginning... There will be more obstacles along the way. You need to prove yourself not just today or tomorrow but every day from now on." She paused, wondering how best to phrase her next words before continuing gently: "I want you to succeed, Tristen... More than anything else in this world. So if there's ever anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

Her heart ached as she watched him nod solemnly, his expression distant and unreadable. She wished things could go back to how they used to be... But for now, all she could do was trust that he would make the right choices from here on out. And if not? Well, she would find a way to make sure he did, no matter what it took.

Surprised, she looked at him more closely. "You did?" she asked incredulously. "That's wonderful news, son! I honestly didn't think you could do it... But you proved me wrong." Her voice softened, and a hint of pride crept into her tone. "I know college isn't cheap these days, but if you really want to go, we'll find a way to make it happen. Maybe I can take out another loan or find some scholarships..." She hesitated, her expression pained. "Just promise me that you'll stay focused this time and not let anything else distract you."

She bit her lip nervously, unsure of how he would react to her offer. Part of her wanted nothing more than for him to take advantage of the opportunity and make something of his life... But another part was terrified that history might repeat itself, that he wouldn't live up to her expectations once again. Only time would tell which path they would end up taking together.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You'd do that? You want to work?" she asked cautiously, her heart swelling with hope and gratitude. For the first time since everything had gone wrong, there was a tiny glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe... just maybe they could find their way back to each other after all. She bit her lip, trying to hide her relief, not wanting to get his hopes up until things were certain. "It's not necessary, Tristen..." she began, only for him to cut her off.

"Yes, it is," he insisted firmly, meeting her gaze with determination she hadn't seen in a long time. "I want to show you that I can be responsible, that I can take care of myself... and you." His voice trembled slightly as he said the last word, but there was no mistaking the sincerity behind it.

For a moment, they held each other's gaze; then, hesitantly at first but growing stronger with every passing second, Yuki smiled. It was faint at first but quickly blossomed into a genuine, heartfelt grin. "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely, her eyes filling with tears. "You don't know how much that means to me." She reached out to take his hand in hers, lacing their fingers together as a tear slipped down her cheek. Maybe everything really would be okay after all...