He Told Me to Stay Away After I Got Hurt So I Stepped Back… and Their House Deal Fell Apart Overnight

then nodded.

“Do you want me in this baby’s life?”

Another nod, slower.

I turned to Ellie. “And you?”

She shrugged. “You’re his mom, not mine. I’ll tolerate you if you sign those papers.”

And just like that, the mask dropped. She didn’t want family. She wanted security. Her voice was hollow of warmth but full of expectation.

I smiled gently and walked to continue reading …