Sophia didn't sleep that night.
She sat by her bedroom window, knees pulled to her chest, watching raindrops race each other down the glass. Her fingers lightly touched her lips—she could still feel the heat of Adrian's gaze, the tension in the air, the almost-confession hanging between them.
She had buried her love for him deep, thinking distance would kill it.
But tonight… it bloomed again.
And that scared her more than losing him.
She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window.
Five years ago, she left with a shattered heart and a secret she thought would protect them both.
Now, that secret walked in small footsteps, called her "Mommy," and had Adrian's smile.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
A message from an unknown number.
"Still playing pretend, Sophia? Love doesn't last in secrets."
Her breath caught.
She stared at the screen.
Then another text followed.
"He'll leave again. Just like before."
Sophia's hands trembled. Her eyes darted around, like the sender might be watching her from the shadows.
Was it Cassidy?
Or someone else?
Before she could think further, a soft knock came at her door.
Ethan.
"Mommy," he said, rubbing his eyes, "I had a bad dream."
Sophia pulled him close, wrapping her arms around him. "You're safe now, baby."
As he drifted off to sleep beside her, Sophia stared into the dark.
She thought she had control over everything.
But someone out there… wanted to break what little peace she had rebuilt.