His eyes brightened.

“Then you’ll stay?”

I shook my head.

“No, Ryan. I’m still leaving.”

Gerald opened his mouth to argue.

But this time, I didn’t remain long enough to hear him.

I walked out the front door.

Dana’s spare bedroom was barely large enough for the three of us.

Two portable cribs stood beside a narrow bed, and my suitcase had to be tucked against the wall.

That first night, I settled Mia, fed Ava, and finally lay down without even unpacking.

I was frightened.

I had no permanent home, very little money, and no guarantee that my childcare arrangements would last.

The following Monday, Ryan’s dismissal from the company was confirmed.

That same week, I returned to work and began taking steps toward a legal separation.

Our financial responsibilities and future parenting arrangements still needed to be settled.

There was no miraculous inheritance waiting for me.