I built everything around her after that.
I switched schedules. Opened a savings account for her future. Learned how to braid hair badly. Showed up to every recital, every soccer game, every parent meeting.
She grew into a sharp, sarcastic teenager who pretended not to care when I cheered too loudly — but always checked to make sure I was there.
She was my whole world.
I didn’t date much. When you’ve seen how quickly people can disappear, you’re careful about who you let in.
But last year I met Marisa at work.
She was confident, intelligent, easy to talk to. She remembered Avery’s favorite drinks. Offered to help when I ran late.
After months together, I started to believe I could have both — a partner and the daughter I’d raised.
I bought a ring.
Then everything nearly collapsed.
One evening Marisa showed up at my house with security footage on her phone.
A hooded figure entered my bedroom, opened my safe, and took cash from inside.
The build looked familiar.
The hoodie looked like one Avery owned.
“She’s hiding something,” Marisa said softly.
I felt sick.
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