For a few weeks, life settled into a rhythm. Adrian's presence became a steady force in their household. The boys delighted in having him around for soccer practice and bedtime stories, and even Mia found herself softening in his company.
But the past, as it often does, found a way to resurface.
One crisp autumn afternoon, Mia received a letter in the mail with no return address. The handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar, but something about it set her nerves on edge.
She opened it carefully, her heart pounding as she unfolded the single sheet of paper.
Mia,
Do you really think people can change? Be careful who you trust—some mistakes don't deserve second chances.
Her hands trembled as she reread the note. The words were vague, but their intent was clear. Someone was watching, waiting, and warning her against letting Adrian back into her life.
---
That evening, Adrian noticed her unease. She was quieter than usual, her responses clipped, and she avoided his gaze.
"Mia, is something wrong?" he asked as he finished washing the dishes.
"No," she replied too quickly, folding a dish towel with unnecessary force. "Just tired."
Adrian stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me."
Mia hesitated, the letter weighing heavily in her pocket. Part of her wanted to share it with him, to see his reaction, but another part of her feared what it might mean.
"It's nothing," she said finally, forcing a small smile. "I just need some sleep."
Adrian didn't look convinced, but he didn't press her. "If you're sure," he said softly.
---
That night, as Mia lay in bed, the letter played on a loop in her mind. Who could have sent it? An ex-coworker? An old acquaintance? Or someone from Adrian's past?
Sleep evaded her, and by morning, she was more exhausted than ever.
Adrian noticed the dark circles under her eyes when he arrived to pick up the boys for a weekend outing.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" he asked gently.
Mia waved him off. "I'll be fine. Just take the boys and have fun."
He hesitated but nodded. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"
"Sure," she said, forcing a smile.
---
After Adrian left with the boys, Mia pulled out the letter again, staring at it as if it might reveal its secrets. Her phone buzzed, and she saw Clara's name on the screen.
"I got a strange letter," Mia admitted after some initial small talk.
"What kind of letter?" Clara's tone immediately turned serious.
Mia read the note aloud, her voice shaking slightly.
"That's creepy," Clara said. "Do you think it's about Adrian?"
"I don't know," Mia confessed. "But I can't stop thinking about it."
"Bring it to the police," Clara suggested. "Even if it's nothing, it's better to be safe."
Mia sighed. "Maybe. I just don't want to overreact."
"It's not overreacting if someone's trying to scare you," Clara said firmly. "You need to protect yourself and the boys."
---
Later that day, when Adrian returned with the boys, Mia's anxiety had reached its peak. After the boys went to their room to play, she finally confronted him.
"Adrian, can we talk?"
"Of course," he said, his expression serious. "What's going on?"
She pulled out the letter and handed it to him. "This came yesterday."
Adrian read it, his jaw tightening as his eyes scanned the words. "Do you have any idea who sent this?"
"No," Mia admitted. "But it feels personal, like someone knows about us."
Adrian folded the letter, his expression dark. "This could be someone trying to stir trouble. Maybe they're jealous or have some grudge."
"From your past?" Mia asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
Adrian looked at her, his face softening. "Possibly. But Mia, I've been honest with you about my past. There's no one I've wronged who would do this. At least, not that I know of."
Mia crossed her arms, unsure whether to believe him. "So what do we do?"
"We take it seriously," Adrian said firmly. "I'll look into it, and if it escalates, we'll go to the police."
Mia nodded, her unease lingering. "I don't want the boys to know."
"They won't," Adrian assured her. "I'll protect you, Mia. All of you."
---
As Adrian left that evening, Mia watched him from the window, her mind racing. She wanted to believe his words, to trust in the man he was becoming.
But trust, like love, was a fragile thing—and the ghosts of the past weren't ready to let go just yet.