I wanted to understand what Lily meant. So I played along, turning it into a little Father’s Day surprise — just the two of us preparing a cozy dinner, sunflower centerpiece and all.

When the doorbell rang, I froze.

It was Adam — my best friend. The man Jess introduced to Lily as her real father.

The room turned heavy. Jess stumbled through an explanation. Adam looked pale. They admitted to meeting up in secret — visits with Lily I knew nothing about. And somehow, through those stolen moments, they allowed Lily to believe that Adam was her father.

I stood in silence, numb with disbelief.

Lily smiled at him, completely unaware of the betrayal unfolding around her. My heart shattered in that moment. Jess tried to explain — she said she didn’t want to ruin the bond Lily and I shared, that she was afraid I