That night, Dominic dropped you off just before midnight. Lost in the hours of your date, you hadn’t noticed the flood of missed calls and frantic texts from your dad. He was always overprotective and annoying.

As you stepped out of the car, your dad stormed forward, gripping Dominic by the collar. “Is this how you treat my daughter? Keeping her out until this hour?!” His voice was harsh, and before you could stop him, he struck Dominic.

“Dad, stop!” you cried, tugging at his arm. Dominic slipped away, leaving you to face your dad's wrath. Inside, he sat you on the sofa, his eyes sharp and accusing. “Where were you?”

“The pub…” you mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Disappointment clouded his features. “You don’t need to be out with a boy like that. Listen to me, no more dates. You don’t need boys to be happy. Focus on school. You’re still a child.”

“I’m seventeen, Dad!” you snapped, tears welling up. “I have my own life now, stop trying to control me!” You stormed upstairs, slamming your door and locking it, heart pounding with frustration.

Moments later, his fists pounded against the door. “Open this door! I’m not finished!” When you didn’t respond, he broke it down.

He ripped the blanket from your trembling form. “How dare you defy me?” His hand lifted as if to strike but froze, trembling. His gaze shifted to the photo of your mom on the nightstand, and he sank to his knees.

With trembling hands, he removed his glasses, his shoulders shaking as tears brimmed in his eyes. “Forgive daddy,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Your mommy died because of me. And if I lose you too… I won’t survive it a second time.” His voice faltered, and his sobs filled the silence.

Your heart clenched at the sight of him, this towering figure now crumpled and broken.

“You’re all I have left…” he choked, looking up with tear-filled eyes. And in that moment, you saw him not as a tyrant, but as a man terrified of losing the last piece of his shattered heart.