My husband took my stepdaughter to Christmas with his ex and told me I wasn’t her real mother—so I chose myself, walked away, and rebuilt a life they never saw coming.

Alexander cleared his throat. “This is more of a biological family trip, sweetheart. Mariana has work, and you’ll have so much fun. Renata really wants to spend time with you.”

Camila’s eyes filled immediately. “But Mom promised we would see the lights.”

Mariana turned away and gripped the counter until her knuckles went pale. She wanted to say continue reading …