Guess What, Hubby? I'm Your Stepmom Now!

I looked at Roy in confusion.

He explained, "Sammy is planning to settle down in our community, closer to us. Participating in community activities will help her and Linda get familiar with the place. If you and Eve come along, it might make them uncomfortable. Besides, Linda doesn't like it when other people call me 'Dad.'"

I felt a sharp anger rise in my chest. There were limits to how shameless a person could be, and Roy had crossed them. The words burst out of me before I could stop myself.

"Roy, do you even remember that Eve is your biological daughter?" My voice trembled. "Do you know what the kids at school are saying about her?"

Roy frowned slightly, cutting me off. "Penny, I don't need you to remind me that Eve is my daughter. I'm sorry about what happened at school today, but I hope you can understand—Linda is an orphan. And you know how easy it is for orphans to be bullied at school. If I don't take her to school or let her call me 'Dad,' it would upset her."

My heart pounded violently against my ribs, anger twisting inside me. I struggled to keep my voice low, not wanting to wake our daughter. "Linda is an orphan. And what about my child? She hasn't had her dad by her side her entire life. How is that any different from being an orphan? She's been waiting so eagerly for you to come home, and yet you were holding another child's hand at her school."

"Enough, Penny!" His patience snapped. "I don't want to argue with you. When did you become so unreasonable?" With that, he yanked off his tie, turned, and disappeared into the guest room upstairs, slamming the door shut behind him.

My silent, helpless sobs filled the empty room. If I had known it would come to this, I would rather have frozen to death in the mountains than spent the night in that mountain cabin with him.

Business deals, secret crushes—none of it mattered anymore. Not compared to my poor Eve.

The next morning, Eve woke up early, clutching two little dresses in her hands. She bounced into my room, her face glowing with excitement. "Mommy, wake up! It's community day, and we're going to see Mrs. Olf. Daddy's coming too! Which dress should I wear?"

"You'd look beautiful in anything," I said softly, forcing a smile.

I brushed her hair, fixed her breakfast, and took her outside.

This was our community. Why should we step aside for Sammy and Linda?

By the time we arrived at Mrs. Olf's garden, the place was already buzzing with neighbors. They were all gathered around Sammy and Linda, their voices warm and welcoming.

As we stepped in, I felt their glances flicker toward me, then back to Sammy. Some eyes held pity, others curiosity, a few laced with cold amusement. But the children knew nothing of these unspoken judgments. They lived in their own world, untouched by adult cruelty.

After a night's sleep, Eve had already forgiven Roy. In her heart, he was still her daddy. She spotted him across the lawn and dashed toward him, calling out joyfully, "Daddy! Daddy!"

But Roy wasn't looking at her. He was gently handing Linda a piece of cake, his face soft with affection. As Eve ran toward him, his brows knit together in irritation. Displeasure flickered across his face.

The grass was still wet from last night's rain, and Eve, running too fast, slipped just before reaching him.

Roy could have caught her—his hand was close enough to do so. Instead, he pulled Linda into his arms and stepped back, leaving Eve to fall hard into the muddy ground.

He glanced down at Linda's dress and smiled. "Good thing your pretty dress didn't get dirty," he said softly.

Linda beamed and kissed him on the cheek. "Daddy, you're the best. You're like a superhero!"

Meanwhile, Eve struggled to push herself up from the mud. Her dress was ruined, her cheeks streaked with dirt. It was one of the neighbors who finally helped her to her feet.

Linda's laughter rang out. "Haha, what a mess! You look like an ugly clown."

Eve bit her lip, swallowing back her tears. She didn't care about her scraped knees or the pain blooming beneath her skin. Her only concern was the photograph in her little bag—a treasured picture of Roy from five years ago.

She fumbled to pull it out, checking it anxiously. It was wet, but still intact. She let out a breath of relief and carefully wiped the droplets away.

But before she could tuck it back into her bag, a small hand snatched it from her grasp.

"What a stupid photo!" Linda said, her voice full of scorn.