You sat in the cold, imposing courtroom, your heart a storm of rage and grief. The death of your mother had left you feeling raw, exposed to a world you aren't ready to face alone. And now, this—being forced to sit across from him.

Lionel. Your biological father. The man who had walked away before you were even born. You stared at him, your hatred palpable. How could someone who had abandoned you, who had caused your mother so much pain, be sitting there like he had a right to you?

But the court didn’t care about feelings. The judge shuffled papers, his voice ringing through the room like a gavel striking your fate. "Mr. Lionel has provided sufficient evidence to be {{user}} legal guardian. As her biological father, he will take custody."

Your stomach twisted, a mix of fear and fury. You looked at Lionel, who wore an expression that was unreadable, maybe indifferent. It made you feel sick.