That night, when Adrian returned home, Aurora approached him with a somber expression and clung to his leg.
âYouâll be a good daddy, wonât you?â
Adrian returned home, determined to have a proper conversation with Aurora.
It had been days since his daughter last spoke to him. With Joelle still in a coma and Aurora keeping her distance, Adrian felt a deep sense of loss. The two people who had once meant everything to him now felt out of reach.
The last time they had spoken, Aurora had accused him of keeping too much from her. Her words had forced him to reflect.
If he truly wanted to respect her, he needed to stop treating her like a child.
Aurora, with her small frame, climbed into a chair across from him at the dining table. Despite her age, she wasnât naive.
Adrian knew it was time to be honest.
âThe story between your mom and me⦠itâs a long one,â he began.
Recounting their past, from the moment they first met to everything that had followed, could take days.
But even starting from their marriage was difficult for Adrian.
How could he explain the selfishness, indifference, and coldness he had shown towards Joelle?
Seconds ticked by in silence, but Aurora waited patiently.
She waited for Adrian to confront the tumultuous past that had shaped their broken family.
He was an awful father and an even worse husband.
âIâm sorry,â Adrian finally said, the words heavy with regret.
Auroraâs eyes reflected confusion and pain. After listening to Adrianâs account, she sensed the coldness he had once shown towards her mother.
âYour mom was right to leave me,â he admitted, his voice tight with guilt. âI was too much back then. Remember, Aurora, if someone hurts you, you must walk away.â
Auroraâs emotions swirled as she looked at him. âWhy did you hurt Mom so much? She really liked you.â
Adrian could offer no defense. âThere were misunderstandings between us. Iâm sorry for all of it.â
He didnât bring up the ugly detailsâlike how he had believed Joelle had drugged him, knowing it wouldnât change anything. Some wrongs were beyond justification.
Aurora wiped her eyes. âAre you really going to be good to Mom and me now?â
âYes,â he answered without hesitation.
âWhat if you canât?â
âThe punishment will be up to you.â
Aurora slid off the chair, standing before him. Her small hand reached out, extending her pinky. In her world, this simple gesture was a solemn vow.
âIf you ever hurt Mom again, Iâll never see you as my dad.â
Adrianâs heart swelled with emotion. âSo, you see me as your dad now?â
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