Danielle’s entire life had been shaped by her relationship with Emily—eighteen years of devotion, sacrifice, and choices made in the name of motherhood. She had abandoned her own ambitions, the dream of an Ivy League education, the vision of a thriving career, and the desire to see the world. Instead, she had chosen stability, a marriage with a man she respected but never truly loved, all to ensure Emily had everything she needed.

In return, Danielle had watched her daughter flourish—intelligent, witty, kind, and full of potential. Seeing Emily achieve what she had once aspired to herself had made it all seem worthwhile. When Emily left for college, Danielle believed...