The following days blurred into a carefully maintained facade of normal family . My father and Elizabeth seemed genuinely pleased that Stella and I were getting along so well. They organized barbecues on the back patio where the smell of grilled steaks filled the air and laughter echoed under the summer sky. Movie nights in the living room involved all of us sprawled on the oversized sectional, sharing popcorn and commenting on the latest action film. Outwardly, I played the role of the dutiful stepson perfectly, helping with chores and engaging in conversations about college and future plans. But beneath every polite exchange, a dangerous current pulsed between Stella and...