#Chapter 18: Trapped with the Past

Lauren I had just gotten Abigail into the car when the weight of what she’d said hit me. The moment I saw Alexander’s face, something inside me snapped. I knew I’d have to answer questions, navigate the tension, and shield my daughter from the chaos unraveling around us. I mumbled a lame excuse about Abigail being upset as I ushered her away before anyone could respond. “Abigail, honey, what’s wrong? How was your friend?” Daphne asked the moment we stepped into the house. Her sharp eyes caught the shift in the air. Abigail didn’t answer, her little face a mix of confusion and sadness as she shuffled toward the table where Daphne had laid out the birthday dinner. Daphne scooped her up immediately, her warm arms offering comfort I couldn’t give. I tried to suppress the storm brewing inside me, but it was getting harder to hide. Everything was falling apart, and I felt like the only one trying to hold it together. “Lauren, what happened?” Daphne asked softly, concern in her e