After years of trying and praying, Simon and Claire were finally approved to adopt. That’s when Sophie, a wide-eyed 4-year-old with a shy smile, came into their lives. The moment she ran into Simon’s arms, he felt it—she was his daughter, no question about it.
At first, life felt like a dream. But just weeks into their new chapter, things began to shift. Claire grew distant. Irritable. She seemed overwhelmed, even resentful—especially toward Sophie. Then one morning, after Sophie accidentally spilled paint on Claire’s cherished wedding dress, everything snapped.
Claire gave Simon a chilling ultimatum: “It’s her or me.”
Simon didn’t hesitate. He chose Sophie.
Claire walked out.
In the months that followed, Simon poured everything he had into fatherhood—comforting Sophie’s tears, helping her rebuild trust, and showing her she was safe and loved. There were tough days, but also laughter, bedtime stories, and slow healing.
Then one day, Claire came back. She said she was ready to make things right—that she’d been overwhelmed and wanted a second chance.
But Simon had heard Sophie cry for her. He’d seen the cracks in her heart. So he stood firm and said, “You didn’t just leave me. You left her. And I won’t let you hurt her again.”
Now, a year later, Sophie still has scars—but she also has smiles. Giggles. Trust. And every night, before bed, she asks Simon the same question:
“Will you ever leave me?”
His answer never changes:
“Never.”
Because real love doesn’t walk away.
