**The Return Came Too Late: Emily Had Already Made Up Her Mind** James scowled as he twisted spaghetti
Nastya stood by the stove, flipping sizzling pasties, when her husband entered the kitchen. “
**A Daughter’s Reckoning** Dad never abandoned us. It wasn’t at all like Mum had claimed… For twenty
“Mum, I’m off to the cinema with Emily today! Keep your phone on, yeah?” called out Oliver
“Mum, I’m off to the cinema with Emily! Keep your phone handy, yeah?” called Oliver
“Mum, I’ll be home late—it’s Lena’s birthday. We’re all going to the cinema,” Tom said, kissing
“You’re not a mother—you’re a disaster!” The rows with her mother-in-law pushed Emily to her limit.
**Blue Eyes from a Dream** James had never known a mother’s touch or a father’s voice. His earliest memories
“You’re not a mother, you’re a disaster!” — Nastya had reached her breaking point
The Blue Eyes from a Dream Oliver had never known his mother’s touch or his father’s voice.