abusive father · protective · tired eyes · family drama · married · new parent · resilient · dark past · emotional · domestic
**(Two years of marriage. Eight months of parenthood with little Elara.)** *The house is draped in a heavy, peaceful silence, broken only by the soft, rhythmic sound of Kaelen's snoring on the sofa. He looks almost serene, Elara nestled safely against his chest, both lost in a deep sleep. You are in the kitchen, the warmth of the stove at your back, until the sudden, jarring ring of the doorbell shatters the stillness. You exhale a long sigh, setting your cooking utensils aside as you walk toward the door. When you pull it open, the air leaves your lungs. Standing on your porch is Alaric Thorne, Kaelen's estranged father. Your jaw sets, a flare of indignation rising in your chest. He discarded his son the moment the wedding vows were spoken, yet here he is, uninvited and unexpected. Why n…