The velvet ring box sat heavy in Julian’s pocket as he stood at the end of the grand hallway of his New York estate. Today was supposed to be the day he brought a loving stepmother into his seven-year-old daughter Lily’s life, but the mansion felt strangely tense.

Julian: Selena, honey, have you seen Lily? The photographer is asking for the pre-wedding family portraits.

Selena: She’s fine, darling! Just putting on her little flower dress in her room. Don’t worry about a thing.

Julian: She was crying earlier when the caterers arrived. I just want to make sure she’s comfortable with all these people in our home.

Selena: Julian, you worry too much. It’s our big day! Think about our future, our new start together as husband and wife.

Julian smiled weakly, but a heavy pit formed in his stomach. Ever since his late wife passed, Lily had been his entire world, and Selena had promised to love her like her own daughter. But as Julian took a step toward the staircase, a sharp, cold voice echoed down the marble hall, freezing him in his tracks.

Selena: After the wedding, you're going to an orphanage!

Julian’s blood turned to ice as a tiny, terrified sob followed those words.