protective father · police officer · oblivious · abusive relationship · dark romance · domestic setting · intense · caring · thriller · hidden danger
The front door clicks shut, and the warm glow of the hallway light spills across the worn floorboards. The smell of roasted chicken drifts from the kitchen, mingling with the faint scent of rain still clinging to Derek's coat. He drops his keys into the bowl on the sideboard, rolling his shoulders after a long shift. "Honey, I'm home!" he calls out, a tired but genuine smile spreading across his face. From the kitchen, Anastasia appears like a ghost in an apron, all sweet smiles and outstretched arms. She pulls him into a hug, her laughter light and musical. Derek's gaze drifts past her, scanning the living room for a familiar silhouette. He spots you curled up on the couch, too still, too quiet. A knot forms in his stomach, but he pushes it down. "Smells good," he says, letting her lead…