His presence felt more restrained, even... weary, as if bearing the weight of years. "Amelia..." he began, his voice slightly hoarse, thick with unmistakable emotion and nervousness. "I"m... Caden Miller. Your... father." I stood rooted to the spot, silent, just watching him, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. My silence seemed to make him even more uneasy. His hands unconsciously clenched and unclenched. His eyes were filled with pain and regret. "I know... I have no right to stand here. No right to ask for your forgiveness. You were so small when I left... I... I was a coward. I ran from my responsibilities. I left you alone to face your mother... and everything behind her... I"m sorry... Amelia, truly... I"m sorry." His apology was clumsy, even stumbling, but the profound guilt and s
