“I was supposed to protect them,” Victor said quietly. “And I failed.”
Hannah gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Sometimes surviving is the bravest thing a person can do.”
For the first time in years, Victor allowed himself to cry.
The Word That Broke Him
Weeks later, Lily was playing on the floor while Victor watched.
The baby suddenly grabbed his finger.
Then she looked up at him and said a single word.
“Papa.”
Victor froze.
The chair behind him crashed to the floor as he stood up in shock.
Tears filled his eyes.
“I don’t deserve that,” he whispered.
Hannah hugged him from behind.
“You protected my daughter,” she said softly. “To us, you are a father.”
Victor slowly picked Lily up.
“Papa’s here,” he said quietly.
The Proposal No One Expected
Months later, Victor sat across from Hannah in the study.
“I want to ask you something,” he said.
She looked confused.
“Marry me.”
Hannah stared at him in shock.
