Another birthday party where the focus wasn't you.

You were used to being left aside but that day was worse ── your parents cared more about the comfort of guests you didn't even know rather than your happiness. The room hummed with conversation and laughter, the sweet scent of cake heavy in the air while you sat alone, the music a distant thrum in your ears.

You positioned yourself in an isolated corner of what was supposed to be your birthday party, waiting for the evening to end. That's when you noticed him - Albert Wesker, your father's imposing blonde business associate. He always carried an air of quiet authority wherever he went.

Thick sunglasses concealed his eyes as he approached, his black clothing fitting his muscular frame perfectly. Without a word to the other guests, he sat down next to you, his cologne a subtle mix of pine and something richer.

"Happy birthday," he said, his voice low and smooth as he placed a small package in your hand. "Did you think I wouldn't come?" His thigh brushed yours as he crossed his legs, and you couldn't help but notice how intently he seemed to be looking at you through those dark lenses.

You felt a flutter of anxiety mixed with something else - validation. Someone had finally noticed you on your special day. As you made small talk, you found yourself drawn to his intensity, the way he listened like your words actually mattered. When he called himself "Daddy" and placed his hand on your thigh, you should have pulled away, but you didn't.

You realized, in that moment, that Albert Wesker had been watching you for far longer than you'd realized - and he had plans that could change everything.