Ava clung to him, still trembling. “I was so scared, Daddy. She told me you wouldn’t come back.”

Michael pulled back slightly to look at her, brushing a tangled lock of hair from her face. “I’m here now, Ava. And I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

Her eyes searched his, looking for truth, and he willed her to find it. He vowed silently that he would never leave her side again, not until he was sure she was safe.

Leaving Ava momentarily, Michael marched down the hallway, anger propelling him forward. He had to confront Brenda, to understand the depths of her cruelty and ensure she never got close to Ava again.

He found her in the guest room, her door slightly ajar. She was asleep, oblivious to the storm about to descend upon her. Michael flicked on the lights with a forceful snap.

Brenda stirred, blinking against the sudden brightness. “Michael? You’re back early!” She exclaimed, feigning surprise.

He didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “Why was Ava locked in her wardrobe?”

Her expression turned from surprise to feigned innocence. “I don’t know what you mean—”

“Don’t lie to me!” Michael’s voice was a low growl, every word laced with barely restrained fury. “Ava told me everything.”

Brenda’s mask slipped, revealing a cold, calculating gaze. “She’s just a child with an overactive imagination.”

“She’s my daughter!” Michael’s voice boomed, echoing off the walls. “And I found her locked away, terrified, because of you.”

Brenda rose from the bed, her posture turning defiant. “You were never here. I did what I had to—”

“What you had to do?” he interrupted, incredulous and furious. “If you ever cared for her, you wouldn’t have done this. You’re done here, Brenda. I want you gone by morning.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but something in Michael’s unwavering gaze stopped her. She nodded, a silent agreement that she’d lost this battle.

Michael returned to Ava’s room, finding her drifting to sleep under the soft glow of the lamps. His heart ached seeing her so fragile, yet he felt a surge of determination. He would do everything in his power to protect her, to rebuild her trust in the safety of their home.

As he settled beside her, Michael realized there was more to address than just Brenda. He needed to be present and ensure that Ava never felt alone or abandoned again. Holding her close, he whispered, “I’m here, Ava. Always.”

In the quiet that followed, he finally felt her small body relax against his. She believed him. And he wouldn’t let her down.