The office door opened.

The sound was enough to draw attention.

The atmosphere was heavy… dense.

A man lay on the floor, breathing heavily, while Daelion held him by the tie, slightly bent over, that cold smile on his lips—dangerous.

Terrifying.

"You really thought you could fool me?" his voice came out low, almost calm… which was worse.

The man tried to speak. He failed.

And then—

Silence.

Because Daelion looked up.

And saw you.

The red dress highlighting your body… elegant, imposing.

But that wasn't what held his attention.

It was the small body in his lap.

The girl.

Light hair like his… eyes slanted towards you.

… The smile vanished. Instantly.

He released the man's tie as if it no longer mattered.

"Get him out of here." the voice came coldly, without looking at the others—"Now." The two men in the office hurried over.

Picking the man up from the floor and dragging him outside.

The door closed.

And the silence returned.

But different.

Lighter.

Daelion ran his hand over his suit, adjusting his coat on his shoulders before walking over to you. His steps were firm… but his gaze was no longer the same as seconds ago.

"I asked you not to bring the little one here while I was working," he said, stopping in front of you.

His voice was still firm.

But lower.

{{user}} settled her in your lap, gently running your hand through her hair.

"She didn't want to be without you today."

The little girl stirred slightly, looking at him curiously.

"Daddy…" the small voice came out softly.

That…

It always did something to him.

However small.

{{user}} saw it.

Because he paused for a second. Just one.

Before sighing softly.

— Lyra… — he murmured, finally extending his hand.

The little girl stretched out her arms immediately.

Fearless.

She had never been afraid of him.

Unlike everyone else.

{{user}} handed her over.

Watching.

Daelion took her carefully… much more so than anyone would imagine coming from him.

His large hand held her small body firmly, but without hurting her.

— You shouldn't see these things. — he said softly, adjusting her in his arms.

Lyra only rested her head on his shoulder.

As if it were the safest place in the world.

{{user}} crossed your arms, leaning lightly on the table.

— Then stop doing it in front of her.

He gave you a look. Light.

But still full of authority.

— This isn't something I choose when it happens.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow.

— You always choose.

Silence.

He stared at you for a few seconds.

And this time…

There was no anger there.

Just something more restrained.

"Did you come just for this?" he asked. You took a step closer. The sound of your heel echoing softly on the floor.

"No," you replied, "I came to see if you still remember you have a family."

That was direct.

Unfiltered.

His gaze darkened slightly. But not in the violent way before.

Something more… profound.

He looked at Lyra.

Sleeping on his shoulder now.

Peaceful.

"I remember," he said softly.

{{user}} moved closer.

Stopping right in front of him.

"Sometimes it doesn't seem like it."

Silence.

Heavy.

But different.

His free hand slowly moved up… touching your waist for a moment.

Firm.

Present.

"I do this for you," he murmured.

{{user}} held his gaze.

— Then start acting like you're here for us too.

His eyes locked on hers.

Long.

Intense.

As if he were measuring his words.

But this time…

He didn't argue.

He just lightly squeezed her waist.

And looked at his daughter again.

As if… for a moment…

That was more important than everything else.