“‘Sir, do you need a maid? I can do anything—my daughter is starving.’ I froze when she looked up. My wife had been missing for two years, our baby sleeping in her arms.

casually, “We might need help in the kitchen,” and guided them inside without touching her, though every instinct in me fought to hold them close.

Upstairs, I secured the suite and closed every curtain. I dropped to my knees.

Lena placed the baby in my arms.

“Her name is Grace,” she said.

I had imagined this moment in nightmares—Lena dead, erased, or calling continue reading …