The ballroom doors flew open with a crash. A man stood in the doorway, wearing a wrinkled gray suit, holding a silver gift box. His face looked worn, tired, defeated.

Ethan Hart. Her father. The box slipped from his hands. His eyes fixed on Lena—shaking, burned, covered in soup. Vivian’s fingers dug into Lena’s shoulder.

“Ethan,” Vivian whispered. “You’re early.” He didn’t answer. His footsteps were measured and slow, his voice deadly calm. He knelt in front of Lena’s wheelchair.

“Hey, starfish,” he said softly, his voice full of warmth. “I’ve got you.” Lena whispered, “I’m sorry, Daddy.” Something broke in Ethan’s eyes. He lifted her gently into his arms and faced Vivian.

“If you ever touch her again,” he said in a deadly quiet voice, “I will end you.”

Without another word, he walked out. The party was over.

Chapter Two: Proof in the Light
That night, Ethan cleaned the burns on Lena’s scalp. She didn’t cry. She only asked one question.

“Am I bad?”