Olivia shrieked, jumping back and releasing Emily. Her face went ashen. “What are you doing here?” she stammered. David stood as a human shield between them, shaking with suppressed violence. “I heard everything, Olivia. Every threat. I recorded it all.”
“It’s not what you think! I was just…” “Just what?” David roared. “Threatening a seven-year-old? I heard the fear in her voice. I have the proof!”
Olivia crumbled, switching tactics instantly to tears. “David, please, I love you… I can change, I promise!” “There is nothing to fix,” David said, his voice ice-cold. “Get out. If you ever come near my daughter again, I’m calling the police.”
Olivia looked at Emily, then at David’s implacable face. Defeated, she turned and fled.
Emily threw herself into David’s arms. “I was so scared, Dad.” “I’m sorry, my love. I’m so sorry I didn’t protect you sooner.” They sat hugging on the bed, relief washing over them. “You were so brave,” David whispered.
“How about we order pizza?” David asked eventually, wiping his eyes. “What kind?” Emily smiled through her tears. “Four cheese and sausage!” “Done.”
The following weekend, they were at the grocery store when Emily squeezed his hand. “Dad, look. It’s Olivia.”
David saw her approaching, trying to look composed. “Hi, David,” she started. “We need to talk.” “Not necessary,” David clipped. “Please, let me explain,” she pleaded, ignoring Emily.
Emily hid behind David’s leg. David felt a surge of protective fire. “Not now, Olivia. You have no place here.” When she tried to argue, he raised his voice. “Come near us again and see what happens!” People began to stare.
“Get out, Olivia!” David commanded. Realizing she had lost, she turned and hurried out of the store.
Back home, safely behind a locked door, Emily looked at him seriously. “Dad, I don’t want any more women in our house. They scare me.”
David knelt down. “I understand. If that’s how you feel, then it’s just the two of us.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I promise, you will always be first.”
Emily smiled, finally relaxed. “Thanks, Dad.”
Later, they sat on the couch under a blanket, sharing a box of cookies Emily had decorated. The world outside felt distant. They had faced the darkness and won. As he held his daughter, David knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as they had trust, they would be okay. Just the two of them.
