«Daddy, don’t leave me with the new mom, she comes to do bad things. Hidden in the closet, the father FROZE from what he saw…

We can fix everything. I made mistakes, but I can change, I promise.» — «There’s nothing to fix,» David replied indifferently. «I want you to leave right now. If you come near my daughter again, I’ll call the police.» Olivia looked at Emily, who was tightly holding her father’s hand. Her face expressed complete defeat. For a moment, David thought she would say something, but she just turned and left the room. Soon David heard the door close.

Emily, who was next to him, threw herself into his arms. «Are you okay, dear? I’m sorry it turned out this way.» Emily shook her head, pressing against her father, trembling with fear. «I was so scared, Dad, but I knew you were here.» David kissed the top of her head, holding back tears. «I’m sorry, my love.

I’m sorry I didn’t notice everything earlier and didn’t protect you right away.» Emily pulled back, looking at him with her big shining eyes, and said: «You were very brave. You managed to protect me.» David smiled through tears, stroking her hair. «You were very brave too. You were strong and told me the truth.

I’m so proud of you.» They sat on the bed, hugging, as the fear gradually gave way to relief. He finally felt ready to take another step toward a new beginning.

«How about ordering pizza?» he suggested. «What kind do you want to order, dear?» David asked as they looked at each other. Emily smiled, and her eyes sparkled with childish delight. «Four cheese and sausage!» — «Anything you want, my love!» David said, hugging her and feeling it getting easier with each moment. Over the weekend, father and daughter went to the store to buy something for Emily. While they stood in line at the checkout, she held his hand and whispered: «Dad, look, there’s Olivia!»…

David followed her gaze and indeed saw Olivia approaching, trying to look calm. His heart filled with anger again. «Hi, David!» Olivia said, stopping in front of them. «We need to talk.» — «I don’t think that’s necessary,» David replied, trying to stay calm. «Please,» Olivia continued, ignoring Emily. «I need to explain what happened. It’s a misunderstanding.» Emily hid behind her father, and he felt her hand squeeze his tightly, which only strengthened his resolve. «Not now, Olivia!» he replied, not looking away. «You have no place here with us!»

Olivia started to argue, but David interrupted her. «Try coming near us again, just see what happens!» He noticed some people around starting to pay attention to them. Olivia looked at David, then at Emily. «David, I just want to fix everything! Please give me a chance!» — «Enough!» David said, shielding Emily from her gaze. «Get out, Olivia!» She stopped, realizing she had no chance for reconciliation, and quickly turned, leaving the store without saying anything more.

David felt the weight lift from his shoulders and hurried to finish the shopping with Emily. When they returned home, Emily still held her father’s hand tightly, clearly worried. As soon as they closed the door, she looked at David with a serious expression. «Dad, I don’t want to see any more women in our house!» Emily said with clear determination. «They scare me!» David knelt in front of her, trying to meet her gaze…