0049.

I opened the door, my eyes guarded, and my expression hesitant. My father stood before me, his eyes filled with emotion, but I couldn't bring myself to feel the same way. He hadn't looked for me, hadn't tried to find me in all these years. And now, he was here, expecting me to welcome him with open arms?

"Hailey…" he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Yes?" I replied, my voice firm but polite. I was so happy to see my big man but I won't give him the satisfaction.

"Hailey, please, I just want to talk," he begged, his eyes pleading.

But I remained firm, my arms crossed. "I don't want to talk, Father."

Just then, Zac appeared, his eyes flashing with warning. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm.

My father's anger flared, but I interrupted him before things could escalate. "Father, wait."

Zac released my father's hand, and I led him to a nearby park. We sat on a bench, the silence between us thick with tension.

"Father, there's something you need to know," I began, my voice gent