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.

burned one tray but says it was the oven’s fault.”

Mariana gasped in theatrical offense. “Betrayal.”

Camila giggled.

A pause settled on the line, soft and strange.

Alexander said, “Can I talk to Mariana for a second?”

Camila looked at her. Mariana nodded and took the phone, stepping onto the balcony.

“Yes?”

Alexander was quiet for a moment. “I wanted to tell continue reading …