"Please, Hazel, forgive us," her father's voice cracked with emotion, his eyes welling up with tears.

"We were blinded by our own fears and doubts. We let our protectiveness of Layla cloud our judgment, and we failed you, our own daughter. We failed to see the truth, to see the pain and hurt we were causing you. We failed to be the parents you deserved."

He took a step forward, his hands reaching out in a pleading gesture.

"We know we can't undo the harm that's been done, but we want to try to make it right. We want to be a part of your life again, to support you,...