Simon and Claire spent years dreaming of a family. After countless heartbreaks, they finally adopted Sophie—a bright-eyed little girl who ran straight into Simon’s arms like she already knew he was home.

At first, everything felt perfect. Sophie was curious, affectionate, and full of life. But soon, Claire began to unravel. She grew resentful, blaming Sophie for every little mess and accident. One day, after Sophie accidentally got paint on Claire’s wedding dress, Claire snapped.

“We need to give her back,” she said.

Simon was stunned. Then came the ultimatum:
“Either she goes, or I do.”

Simon didn’t flinch.
“She’s my daughter now,” he said.

Claire left.

Months later, she returned, claiming she’d made a mistake. But it was too late. Sophie had cried herself to sleep for weeks, blaming herself for Claire’s absence. Simon couldn’t risk her heart breaking again.

“You didn’t just leave me,” he told Claire. “You left her.”....