“I have the co-conservatorship papers here,” he said, placing them on the table. “Once we sign, we can start planning for Caroline’s future.”

Caroline leaned forward, her eyes wide, reflecting the light of the lamp.

“Dad,” she said, her voice soft and vulnerable. “Before we sign anything, I just need to understand.”

Thomas smiled, leaning forward to meet her gaze. “Understand what, sweetheart?”

“Why now?” she asked. “Why did you leave me for sixteen years, if you cared so much about my future?”

The room went entirely still, the only sound the wind whipping against the side of the house.

Thomas shifted his weight on the velvet cushions, his hand dropping to his knee.

His smile didn’t falter, but his fingers twitched against the dark fabric of his trousers.

“Caroline, you have to understand the circumstances back then,” he said.

He reached for his coffee cup, his knuckles turning white against the delicate porcelain.

“I was young, and I was completely overwhelmed by the responsibility.”

I watched him from my armchair, my chest tightening with a familiar, cold anger.

“Overwhelmed,” I repeated softly.