I leaned back on the sofa, thinking it through while Maria spoke softly beside me. She assured me Ivy would be safe with her, that George wouldn’t be able to find her. “I’ll handle all the school runs for you,” she said. “That way, there will be no trace. Just think about it, Ava.”
I nodded slowly, it made sense. “It’s a good idea,” I whispered. “If Ivy ever sees George, she might start asking questions, and that’s something I don’t want.” My eyes drifted toward Ivy, who was humming quietly to herself. “Let her stay with you, Maria. She’ll be fine here.”
Maria nodded and told me to go home and get Ivy’s things. “It starts now, George could show up any minute. We need to move fast.” I zoomed off immediately, careful that Ivy didn’t notice.
When I got home, a few tears slipped down my che
