When my new neighbors moved in, their little girl, Lily, often played alone in the yard. One day, I found her dangerously close to the street. I took her home, but no one was there. After playing with her outside, her mother appeared and invited me over for tea the next day. However, when I arrived, the house was empty except for Lily and a note: “She’s yours if you want her.”

Heartbroken, I took Lily in. My husband, Samuel, furious, gave me an ultimatum—him or Lily. I chose Lily. Later, I learned that Lily had inherited the house, and her foster parents had left her in my care for a better life.

Lily and I moved into the house, and Samuel, living alone, slowly tried to mend our relationship. Eventually, he became a part of our lives again, helping with Lily. Though forgiveness took time, our family started to rebuild.

“Every time Lily called me ‘Mommy,’ my heart swelled with joy.”