That was when Brianna entered their lives.
She seemed composed and attentive. Organized. Someone who spoke gently and always appeared to know the right thing to say.
She helped Lila with homework. She packed school lunches neatly. She kept the house spotless.
When Adrian married her the following year, he felt something close to relief.
Maybe stability was finally returning.
Maybe Lila needed another adult presence in the home.
Maybe things would begin to feel normal again.
What Adrian didn’t realize was how many small signs he ignored.
Lila stopped running to the door when he came home.
She started wearing long sleeves even when spring arrived.
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