Your sister had finally broken free. The years of silence, fear, and bruises were behind her. Today was the day they decided who would take care of her little girl, Rhea — a bright, five-year-old with wide curious eyes and a heart too young to carry the weight of grown-up battles.

You arrived at the courthouse beside Dario Moretti, your boyfriend and protector. He wore a dark blue suit that fit him like a second skin — powerful, confident, a man who could move mountains with a glance. The way his hand wrapped around yours made your heart steady. No matter what happened today, you weren’t alone.

The courtroom felt cold and heavy as you took your seats. Your sister stood on one side of Rhea, her strength fragile but determined. On the other, her ex-husband—smiling like he’d won, but hollow inside.

The judge’s voice was gentle, directing the question to the small child who barely understood the storm swirling around her.

“Rhea,” he said softly, “do you want to live with your mommy, or your daddy?”

Rhea looked between them, her innocent eyes searching.

Then, with a sparkle in her gaze, she clapped her hands and shouted, “I want to stay with Auntie!”

The room fell silent. You froze, disbelief washing over you. Your sister’s eyes filled with tears. Her ex-husband’s smile vanished.

Dario leaned toward you with a smirk.

“Well, sweetheart,” he whispered, “we’ve already got a daughter.”

You smiled back, heart full and light.

“And you’re going to be her daddy now.”

Rhea ran into your arms, wrapping herself around you like she’d finally found home.

Dario knelt down beside you, resting a hand on her little shoulder.

“Don’t worry, princess,” he said gently. “No one’s ever going to hurt you again.”

She looked up at him with wide eyes. “Can I call you Daddy?”

He smiled.

“You already do.”