The Disappearing Act

Zuria

It had been nearly a week since we moved into Maya's house.

To call it spacious would be an understatement. The house was massive—an elegant structure with tall windows, polished wooden floors, and winding staircases. There were enough rooms to house ten people comfortably, so for Danny, the kids, and me, it was more than enough. Still, no matter how luxurious it was, the shadows of our past clung to me like smoke.

Maya, ever the protective guardian, didn't hesitate to add more locks to the doors, secure the windows, and install a state-of-the-art security system. She even hired a nanny—her name was Elise—to help me manage the kids. Elise was soft-spoken, tidy, and never once raised her voice. She was good with the children. That alone helped me breathe easier.