Almost loved

I didn't know my father existed until I was laying in a hospital bed with no one to call.

Apparently, he's alive. Rich. Cold as hell. And legally obligated to take me in.

He doesn't want a daughter. And I've never had a parent.

We don't speak much. We barely look at each other.
But sometimes I catch him staring like he remembers something. Or regrets something.
I don't know. I can't read him.

All I know is I'm seventeen, full of feelings I can't name, living in a stranger's house with a man who's supposed to love me but never learned how.

And every day I wonder if I'll ever be more than just his obligation.

Because being unwanted hurts.
But being almost loved?
That's worse.