SASHA
My heart was already heavy and the day had barely begun. I sat behind my desk, absently dragging my fingers across the surface as the sun streamed in through the wide glass windows of my office. The faint hum of the air conditioner did little to soothe my restlessness and the long silence did nothing either.
Some minutes later, the door creaked open.
I didn't need to look up. I already knew it was him.
"Good morning, Daddy," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice composed, even as I clasped my hands together in order to stop them from trembling.
Daddy stepped in, dressed immaculately in a navy-blue suit. He didn't return my greeting. Instead, he shut the door behind him and moved closer, his expression unreadable.
"We need to talk," he said sternly. "The board has scheduled a
