When Simon and Claire finally adopted a four-year-old girl named Sophie, they thought their dreams of becoming parents had come true. But just a month later, Claire shocked Simon by demanding that they give Sophie back. As Claire’s love turned to resentment, Simon was faced with an impossible choice. But for him, there was no question. Sophie was his daughter now, and he would fight for her, no matter the cost.
The day Sophie arrived, she ran straight into Simon’s arms, clinging to him like she already knew he was hers. Claire and Simon had fought for this moment, enduring years of failed pregnancies and heartbreak. They had promised Sophie a forever home, and they were determined to keep that promise.
But as the days turned into weeks, Claire began to change. She became distant and cold, her eyes empty of the love and warmth that had once shone brightly. She started to see Sophie as a threat, a manipulative child who was ruining her life. Simon tried to reassure her, to remind her of the promises they had made to Sophie, but Claire was resolute. She wanted Sophie gone.
The night Claire left, Simon was devastated. He had never imagined that his wife would abandon their daughter, leaving him to care for Sophie alone. But as the days turned into weeks, Simon realized that he had made a choice. He had chosen Sophie, and he would do everything in his power to protect her.
Three weeks later, Simon and Claire met with a mediator to discuss their marriage. Claire was composed, her eyes fixed on Simon, but he could see the desperation behind her gaze. She wanted to come home, to fix their marriage, but Simon knew it was too late. He had seen the real Claire, the one who had chosen to leave their daughter behind.
As they sat across from each other, Simon realized that he had made the right choice. He had chosen Sophie, and he would never regret it. The woman he had once loved had chosen to be a stranger, and Simon was grateful to be free of her.
A year later, Sophie was thriving. She still flinched at loud voices, still hesitated before calling Simon “Daddy,” but she was learning to trust in the kind of love that didn’t leave. Simon had promised her that he would never leave, and he had kept that promise.
As he tucked Sophie into bed, he knew that he had made the right choice. He had chosen his daughter, and he would always be grateful for that choice.
