I knelt down to Kelly’s level, trying to calm my trembling hands as I wiped my tears. “Sweetheart, we’re leaving. We’re going back to Aunt Brenda’s.”

Kelly’s lip quivered, her little hands clutching mine tightly. “But why, Mommy? I don’t want to leave Dad.”

Ivan stood up, his voice desperate as he stepped closer. “Vera, please don’t do this. Don’t walk away, not like this. I can fix this, I swear. My mother won’t come between us again.”

I stood up and shot him a warning look not to come close to me or Kelly. “I thought all this was you wanting me back in your life, but you lied...