At 3 a.m., my stepmother and stepsisters stole my credit card and spent $100,000 on a luxury trip—returning home smug and unaware the card they used wasn’t what they thought it was.

smiling at someone outside the frame. Her hand rested protectively on her stomach.

I frowned.

Her stomach.

She was pregnant.

My heartbeat changed.

Slow.

Heavy.

Wrong.

I unfolded the letter.

My darling Natalie,

If you are reading this, then I was right to be afraid.

I had to read the first line three times.

My darling Natalie,

If you are reading this, then I was continue reading …