**ISABELLA**Three weeks into their new routine, Isabella began to relax. Slightly. Damien showed up every Wednesday and Saturday without fail, always on time, always prepared with activities or books or small surprises that delighted Lily. He texted every evening to say goodnight to his daughter, never pushing for more than Isabella offered.He was being consistent. Reliable. Everything Isabella had needed him to be four years ago.It should have made her happy. Instead, it made her wary. Waiting for the other shoe to drop, for him to revert to the cold, distant man she'd known."You're doing the thing again," Grace observed during their Friday girls' night. Lily was asleep in Isabella's room, and they were sprawled on the couch with wine and takeout."What thing?""The thing where you convince yourself that anything good is temporary. That you're waiting for disaster.""I'm being realistic. People don't change overnight.""It's been almost a month, not overnight. And from what you'v
Last Updated : 2026-10-01
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