I’ve been imagining the worst lately.

I hope you have a wonderful day at work.”

Carter finished his coffee, gathered his briefcase and keys, and headed toward the garage without noticing anything different about me.

I stood by the kitchen window until his luxury SUV disappeared around the corner, refusing to move until I was certain he wouldn’t suddenly return.

As soon as he was gone, I hurried upstairs to Harper’s bedroom, abandoning the cheerful expression I’d struggled to maintain.

My daughter was still lying beneath her blankets, looking alarmingly pale and exhausted despite having slept throughout the night.