Together, we gathered her belongings and I helped her up the stairs. My footsteps were heavy, each step a reminder of the betrayal that had taken place under my own roof. I led her to the guest room, the very room that Samantha and Lily had claimed for themselves. I could hear their laughter, oblivious to the turmoil they had caused.

Bursting into the room, I was met with startled faces. “What’s going on?” Samantha asked, her tone laced with irritation at the interruption.

“Emily will be sleeping here from now on,” I said firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. Samantha’s eyes widened in surprise, and she opened her mouth to protest, but I raised a hand, silencing her.