I met Molly in college. She was beautiful, always with popular guys, but we became close friends. I had feelings for her, though they were unrequited. When her boyfriend Tanner left her, she found herself unexpectedly pregnant. Heartbroken and scared, she considered her options, but I offered my support, even proposing to marry her and raise the child together. Molly hesitantly agreed, and we soon became a family, raising her daughter, Amelia.

For five years, life felt perfect, and I adored Amelia as my own. But Molly began to feel stifled by family life and eventually left, leaving Amelia with me. She didn’t look back, diving into a carefree lifestyle.

I raised Amelia alone, becoming the only father she knew. Then, years later, Molly returned, demanding custody. She and Tanner were engaged, and she wanted Amelia in her “real family.” Despite a challenging custody battle, the judge listened to Amelia’s wishes, and I gained full custody.

Molly received weekend visits, and I encouraged Amelia to build a bond with her. But Amelia assured me daily that I was her real dad, strengthening our inseparable bond. Nothing would ever take that away.