Two months later, the house was a painful reminder of Stacey, with her belongings untouched and her memory lingering in every corner. Luke’s innocent questions about his mother’s absence deepened my pain. Desperate for relief, I planned a beach trip, hoping the fresh air and change of scenery would help us heal. For a moment, the laughter and joy felt like a step forward.

But the trip took an unexpected turn when Luke excitedly pointed out a woman on the beach who he believed was his mother. To my shock, the woman resembled Stacey. When I confronted her, the unthinkable truth unraveled—Stacey had faked her death to escape with another man. Her parents had aided the deception, leaving me to grieve a loss that wasn’t real. The revelation shattered everything I thought I knew.

In the aftermath, I focused on protecting Luke and ensuring his well-being. I secured full custody and cut ties with Stacey. Moving to a new city marked the beginning of our healing journey. Though the scars of betrayal remained, Luke and I found strength in each other, proving that resilience and love can pave the way to a new beginning.