~Ava
The next morning, I woke to the smell of coffee and the faint clatter of dishes downstairs. My room was a mess, clothes on the floor, sheets twisted, phone dead on the nightstand.
I hadn’t slept much, just tossed and turned, Adrian’s words looping in my head, Which stepdaughter seduces and f***s her stepdad?
My stomach churned, a mix of shame and anger, but I shoved it down, dragged myself out of bed, and pulled on a hoodie and leggings.
I was brushing my teeth when Mom knocked, soft but firm, and pushed the door open.
She stood there in a loose sweater, hair up, looking tired but calm, her hand resting on her stomach like it was already a habit.
“Hey,” she said, voice gentle, stepping inside. “Can we talk?”
I spit into the sink, rinsed, and leaned against the dresser, arms
