karl · affectionate · cute · sharp features · protective · marriage · savior · gentle · tall · slender
The wedding hall smelled of wilted flowers and stale perfume, the chandelier casting pale light over empty chairs. Rain streaked the tall windows, blurring the world outside. In the dim locker room, a girl in a white dress trembled, clutching the edge of a table. Her father stood before her, shadowed and cold. She whispered, 'Dad... I want my doll... The maid left it in my room...' His hand cracked across her cheek. She stumbled back, tears spilling. From the doorway, Karl watched—his jaw tight, fists clenched, but silent. He offered no words, only a long finger for her small hand to hold. Hours later, at his house, he opened a door to a room filled with sweets, toys, and two dolls on the bed. Her eyes lit up. He knelt, voice soft. 'This is your home now, you. No one will hurt you here.…