Chapter 13 The morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating the cluttered countertop where Amelias forgotten coffee sat growing cold.
She scrolled absentmindedly through her phone, only to stop abruptly when a familiar face appeared on her screen.
Another post from Brenda.
In the photo, Brenda stood beside a hospital bed, holding Steves hand as he gave a weak but brave smile.
The caption read: A mothers love knows no bounds.
Fighting every day for my little warrior.
Please keep us in your prayers.
Amelias jaw clenched as she read the flood of supportive comments.
Brenda, youre so strong.
Steve is lucky to have a mom like you! Were praying for a miracle.
Stay strong for him.
Another scroll revealed more posts.
Photos of Brenda sitting at Steves bedside, her face drawn but resilient.
Captions about the power of love and the lengths a mother would go to for her child.
The comments were always the same: uplifting, sympathetic, rallying around her supposed struggle.
Shes spinning this into a sympathy campaign, Amelia muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling.
________________ Across town, Ryan sat in his office scrolling through the same posts.
He clenched his phone tightly, his fury building with every word Brenda typed.
Finally, he couldnt take it anymore.
That evening, Ryan posted his response: You destroyed any chance we had with your lies.
Stop dragging my son into this circus.
Stay out of my life.
The post went viral within hours, with Brenda firing back in the comments: You may have given up on us, Ryan, but I wont give up on my family.
Meanwhile, the twins were oblivious to the drama brewing online.
Damien and Debby had spent the past week exchanging whispered plans at school, their curiosity about Ryan growing with every passing day.
Tomorrow, Damien said as they walked home from school.
He said hed meet us at the park after lunch.
Do you think Mom will find out? Debby asked, her voice tinged with worry.
She wont, Damien replied confidently.
Well just tell her were playing with our friends.
The next day, Ryan waited at the park, his heart pounding as he spotted the twins running toward him.
He knelt down, opening his arms as they barreled into him, their laughter filling the air.
Hey, you two! he said, his voice warm and full of affection.
Ive missed you.
Damien grinned up at him.
Why didnt you come sooner, Dad? Ryans smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly.
Sometimes grown-ups make mistakes, buddy.
But Im here now.

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The hours passed in a blur of swings, soccer, and ice cream.
Ryan soaked in every moment, marveling at the way the twins chattered and laughed.
For the first time in years, he felt a sense of belonging.
But the idyllic scene came crashing down when Amelia stormed into the park, her face a mask of fury.
Get away from them! she snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
The twins froze, guilt written all over their faces.
Ryan stood, shielding them instinctively.
Amelia, calm down.
We were just You were just confusing them! she interrupted, her voice rising.
You dont get to swoop in and play the doting father after everything youve done.
They deserve stability, not your chaos! Debby clung to Ryans leg, her small voice piping up.
Mom, dont be mad.
We wanted to see him.
Amelias heart ached at her daughters words, but her resolve didnt waver.
Come on, she said sharply, reaching for their hands.
Were leaving.
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