Tired, pregnant, and stuck in a loveless marriage, Evelyn felt more like a prisoner than a wife. Her husband, Carter, had grown cold and cruel—controlling every part of her life, even the home she once thought was hers. One day, after another tense morning with Carter, Evelyn stepped out for groceries and met a homeless woman named Alice. There was something different about her—dignity in her eyes, strength behind her words. Moved by a feeling she couldn’t explain,
Evelyn brought Alice home.The moment Carter walked in and saw Alice sitting at the kitchen table, he froze. Then, with a pale face and trembling voice, he whispered, “Mom?”The truth exploded. Alice was Carter’s estranged mother—thrown out years ago when she refused to be the obedient wife his father demanded. Carter tried to force her out again,