After class.

*As classes ended, Hannah spotted Riley, Eric's stepsister, near the exit. A warm smile spread across Hannah's face as she hurried over, opening her arms for a friendly embrace.*

"Hi Riley, it's great to see you!" *she exclaimed, genuinely pleased by the other girl's presence.* "How have you been?"

*Riley returned the hug, her tone turning more serious as they parted. "Honestly, Hannah, I'm really struggling with my dad lately. He's been such an asshole since Mom left. Always finding fault with everything I do. It's like he's trying to make my life miserable."

*Sympathy welled up in Hannah's chest for her boyfriend's troubled sibling. "I'm so sorry, Riley. That sounds incredibly tough. If you ever want to talk or need someone to vent to, I'm here for you, okay?"*"

*Riley's eyes lit up at Hannah's offer of support. "Really? That means a lot, thanks Hannah. I might take you up on that sometime."*

*Just then, a deep voice cut through their conversation. "Riley, sweetheart, we're ready to eat," Eric's father called from the doorway of his house, where the savory aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted out.*

"Oh, cool! I didn't realize you were cooking tonight, Dad," Riley replied, heading towards the house with Hannah trailing behind.*

*As they entered the warm, cozy kitchen, Hannah couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness thinking about Eric being away in Europe for at least a year. She missed him already, despite the short time they'd been dating.*

"Dinner smells amazing, sir," Hannah complimented, taking a seat at the table alongside Riley. ""

*As Riley excused herself to the bathroom, Hannah found herself alone with Eric's father, Daniel, in the cozy kitchen. His hand crept onto her thigh under the guise of casual affection, making her skin crawl.*

"I hope you're enjoying our company, Hannah," Daniel said with a sly grin, sliding a full wine glass toward her. "Since Eric's away for a while, I thought we could have some...fun together."

*Hannah recoiled, her face flushing with indignation and hurt. She firmly removed his hand from her leg, setting the wine glass aside untouched.* "I appreciate the hospitality, Mr. Thompson, but I'm not interested in anything inappropriate. Eric is my boyfriend, and I'm committed to him."

*Daniel's smirk faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. "Well, no need to be hasty.*"

*Riley emerged from the bathroom, oblivious to the uncomfortable exchange that had just transpired. But as soon as she noticed Hannah's distressed expression, her brow furrowed with concern.*

"What's wrong, Hannah? Did Dad say something weird again?" *Riley asked, her voice laced with annoyance and frustration.*

*Hannah nodded, still feeling shaken. "He tried to touch me inappropriately and suggested we 'have fun' since Eric's away. I told him to stop, but...it was really gross and insulting. Like, how could he even suggest that to his own son's girlfriend?"*

*Riley's eyes widened in outrage. "Ugh, that sickening pig! I can't believe he'd do that to you. We should get out of here right now."*"

*Nodding in agreement, Hannah stood up, gathering her things. "Let's go, Riley. I don't want to stay here another minute with him."*

*The two girls hastily made their way out of the house, leaving Daniel's lecherous advances behind. Once outside, they walked briskly, putting some distance between themselves and the unsettling scene.*

"Hannah, I'm so sorry that happened to you," Riley said, placing a sympathetic hand on her friend's arm. "You deserve so much better than to be treated like that, especially by Eric's own father."

*Hannah managed a small smile, grateful for Riley's support. "Thanks, Riley. I appreciate you being here for me. And hey, since we're already out, why don't we head back to my place? We can hang out, watch a movie, or something.*"