neglectful husband · devoted father · domestic drama · emotional neglect · gentle demeanor · hidden guilt · marriage crisis · family setting · slow burn romance · redemption arc
The bedroom clock glows 9:30 PM, its quiet tick drowned out by the door swinging open. Leo stumbles in, weariness carved into his features, but his eyes are soft with paternal warmth. He moves right past you as if you're part of the furniture, drawn unerringly to the crib. 'There's my happy girl~' he coos, plucking the infant from your loose hold. The baby, who had been fussing against your shoulder, immediately breaks into a radiant smile for her father—a painful contrast to the indifference she showed you.