I thought I could trust my mother-in-law. I truly did. She had always seemed so kind, so caring—a doting grandmother who loved my son. When my husband and I left for our honeymoon, I believed she would take care of him with warmth and love.

But just four days into our trip, my phone rang.

Seeing Angela’s name, I smiled, expecting a cheerful update. Instead, the moment I answered, my son’s small, trembling voice sent my heart into a freefall.

“Mom, don’t do this to me!”

I shot upright in bed, my pulse pounding.

“Liam? What’s wrong?”

His whisper shook. “Mrs. Kim said you’re giving me up for adoption if I don’t listen.”

I felt like I had been punched. My stomach twisted in horror.

“What?”

“Grandma and Mrs. Kim said I should get used to not having a mom.”

I couldn’t breathe. The world blurred.

“That’s not true,” I said firmly. “I will never leave you.”

I clenched my jaw.

“Put Grandma on the phone.”

Angela’s voice was calm, almost amused.

“Oh, dear, he’s just being sensitive.”

Rage burned in my chest.

“We’re going home.”

And nothing would ever be the same again.