The manor stood silent against the backdrop of evening London, its tall windows glowing softly in the dusk. As I stepped onto the stone porch, a chill swept through me. The air was so thick with tension that my heart began to pound. I sensed I was walking straight into a storm.
I opened the front door, and the illusion melted away instantly. From the hallway, the voice of a childsmall, broken, terrifiedechoed: Mum, please Im sorry please, dont do this
Jennifers rage
It was my daughter’s voice. Emily, trembling, pressed herself against the wall, her hands shielding her head. Tears poured down her cheeks, dripping onto the polished oak floor. Standing over her, face contorted in fury, was my wife, Jennifer. Her hand was raised like a weapon. Do you think your father can save you? Jennifer spat. Hes never here. He wont help you now.
Jennifer gripped Emilys tiny wrist, and Emily whimpered in pain. That very moment, the door clicked shut behind me. Both of them froze. Jennifers face turned paleshe recognised my footsteps, and that quiet, cold anger that filled the room heavier than any scream.
Dad Emilys whisper was as thin as a thread about to snap.
A fathers protection
Come here, love, I murmured. Emily rushed to me, burying her face in my coat. I knelt and gently lifted her chin. Red marks stained her cheek and bruises bloomed on her wrist. What happened? I asked softly. I didnt mean to break the vase She said I ruin everything. She said nobody could love me not even you.
The world shrank to a single point. Jennifer began to stammer, trembling: Michael, shes exaggerating she was impossible today I just lost my patience Stop, I said. Just one word. Final.
I told Emily to go to her room, lock the door, and put on her headphones. Only when I heard the latch click upstairs did I turn to Jennifer. You left bruises on my daughter. You made her afraid, in her own home. Shes not really your daughter, Michael! Jennifer blurted, panic in her eyes. Why do you choose her? Shes not even your blood.
The aftermath
I pulled out my phone. David, I said, calmly. I need you at the house. Bring the team. Its urgent. Jennifer collapsed. David wasnt called for discussions. He was summoned when a line had been crossedone theres no coming back from.
You said shes not my blood, I spoke quietly. But Emily became my child the day her parentsmy dearest friendswere killed in a motorway accident. I made a promise. I swore to protect her.
When David arrived, I gave the order: She leaves. Help her pack. She has thirty minutes. After that, shes gone. For good. I have nothing without you! Youre destroying my life! she screamed, as she was escorted to the door. No, I corrected her. You destroyed your own life the moment you raised your hand to my child.
I climbed upstairs and knocked gently on Emilys door. Is she gone? Emily squeaked through sobs. She wont be back. Youre safe now.
She asked if Jennifer had done this before. Emily nodded. Jennifer had even told her that her real parents died because she was bad. My heart shattered. I wrapped Emily in my arms and promised her that I would always be there.
Later that night, while she slept under the glow of stars on her ceiling, I emailed my solicitor. I wanted to formalise the adoption. I wanted it written in black and white: Emily is mine.
My phone buzzed. It was David: Its done, boss. Shes on a coach heading north. She wont return. I glanced at my daughters pink door. For years, I thought strength came from control and fear. But the truth was different: my real strength was sleeping upstairs. And Id gladly set the whole world alight before I ever let anyone hurt her again.
