I was furious.
Were they planning to take over my home?
Disgusting!

Lily tugged my hand,upset.
"Mommy,she's stretching out my dress."
Emma was heavier,and though the dress was loose,it looked bulky on her—ugly,to be honest.
I stroked Lily's hair,silently comforting her.
Lily asked,"Why are they eating at our house?Where's Daddy?"
Before I could answer,I heard the sound of key turning in the lock.Daniel was back.

Claire flashed a smile at him,her tone casual."Wash your hands.Dinner's ready."
Emma chirped,"Uncle Daniel,come eat!"
Daniel smiled,nodding."Emma,eat up.I want you to feel at home,no need to be shy."
To Claire,he added,"I transferred two thousand dollars to your card.Buy whatever you need."

Claire's eyes lit up,though she pretended to hesitate,"Is that okay?"
Daniel waved it off."It's fine.You need money for groceries and cooking.Keep it."
My gaze on him was icy.
He'd hesitate over buying me a mere fifty-dollar gift,but for Claire and Emma,he was lavish.
Lily cried,"Mommy,why's Daddy so nice to them and not looking for us?"
She qas still a child, bujt she was always sensitive with emotions.
Days had passed,and Daniel acted as if Lily didn't exist,treating Emma like his own daughter.
Claire served Daniel a piece of pork."Daniel,thank you for letting us stay.Once I find a new place for us,we'll move out."
Claire had been evicted from her old place, unable to pay the rent,and Daniel brought them here.
"No rush.Stay as long as you like."
Claire acted concerned."What if Rachel comes back and sees us here?Won't she be upset?"
Daniel scoffed."Ignore her.This house is mine.She has no say in thsi."
He patted Emma's head."Stay here,no worries."
Claire and Emma exchanged smug glances.
I was livid.
I paid the down payment and renovation costs for this house.Daniel,early in his career,had little savings,contributing only ten thousand.We paid the mortgage together.
I hated that as a soul,I could do nothing,or I'd have smashed something over his head.
That despicable man!
Lily pouted."Mommy,I don't want them living in our house..."
I hugged her tight,yet I couldn’t help but burst into tears.
Seeing me cry,Lily panicked."Mommy,don't cry.I said something wrong."
"No,Lily,you're not wrong at all.It's all your daddy's fault."
I didn't want them here either,but I was powerless to stop them,and the feeling of helplessness tore me apart.
Lily nodded firmly."I don't want Daddy.I just want Mommy."
Just then,the doorbell rang.
Claire froze,then forced a smile onto her face."Is that Rachel and Lily?"
"I'll check."Daniel stood and opened the door.
It was Jessica.