Chapter 4

Ryan didn't dare to agree on the spot. He left with his tail between his legs.

After he left, I locked the door behind me, curled up with my daughter, and drifted off on the master bedroom's bed.

This sleep was the best I've had in years.

The next morning, the urgent ringing of the doorbell jolted me awake.

When I opened the door, my stepmother, Helen Grant, was standing there.

Behind her was Chloe, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

As soon as Helen saw me, she stormed in, jabbing a finger at my face. "Emily, have you…