Shirley's POVThe moment I stepped into the house, something felt off. It was too quiet. Not the peaceful kind of quiet, but the kind that clings to your skin like a warning.I turned the corner toward the living room—and froze.Lucy was there.Lounging like royalty in the armchair closest to the window, legs elegantly crossed, her red-bottom heels glinting under the soft sunlight. She wore a perfectly tailored ivory wool coat over a slim black turtleneck, paired with deep velvet slacks that hugged her long legs like a second skin. Her chestnut waves fell flawlessly around her shoulders, her lipstick a shade of sharp crimson that looked like it was born to cut.And there, sitting at her feet on the plush rug, was Abby. Giggling. Playing."Mommy! Auntie Lucy helped me dress my doll. Look!" Abby beamed.I blinked. Auntie.My stomach twisted."Lucy," I said, keeping my voice steady, "how did you get in?"She turned to me slowly, lips curving into a soft, knowing smile."Oh, sweetheart,"
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