That night, Ethan cleaned the burns on Lena\u2019s scalp. She didn\u2019t cry. She only asked one question.<\/p>\n
\u201cAm I bad?\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ethan Hart. Her father. The box slipped from his hands. His eyes fixed on Lena\u2014shaking, burned, covered in soup. Vivian\u2019s fingers dug into Lena\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cEthan,\u201d Vivian whispered. \u201cYou\u2019re early.\u201d He didn\u2019t answer. His footsteps were measured and slow, his voice deadly calm. He knelt in front of Lena\u2019s wheelchair.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, starfish,\u201d he said softly, his voice full of warmth. \u201cI\u2019ve got you.\u201d Lena whispered, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Daddy.\u201d Something broke in Ethan\u2019s eyes. He lifted her gently into his arms and faced Vivian.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you ever touch her again,\u201d he said in a deadly quiet voice, \u201cI will end you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without another word, he walked out. The party was over.<\/p>\n
Chapter Two: Proof in the Light<\/strong> \u201cAm I bad?\u201d<\/p>\n
That night, Ethan cleaned the burns on Lena\u2019s scalp. She didn\u2019t cry. She only asked one question.<\/p>\n
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