**Elena’s POV**

The air in the living room turned to ice. My father’s words, the command to kill the life growing inside me, felt like a physical blow to my stomach. I pushed myself up from the couch, my legs shaking, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"Papa, how can you even suggest that?" My voice trembled, but I stood my ground. My hands lay flat against my stomach, trying to shield the tiny life that had no one else to protect it.

"Elena, I will not allow you to carry that child," ...