When I married Ben, I knew he was a widower raising his son, Lucas, alone. Though he still cherished memories of his late wife, Irene, I hoped to create a new chapter for us. For months, things went well. Lucas warmed up to me, even calling me “Mom” one day, which felt like a dream come true.

But then Lucas whispered one night, “My real mom still lives here.” I laughed it off, thinking it was just his imagination. However, strange things started happening around the house. Toys I’d cleaned up were back in their old spots, cabinets rearranged, and Irene’s photo mysteriously returned to its original place.

One day, Lucas told me, “Mom says you shouldn’t touch her things.” I grew uneasy and decided to investigate. Late one night, I discovered a hidden attic room where I found Emily, Ben’s sister, who had been secretly living there for three years. She confessed she’d been talking to Lucas, feeding his belief that Irene was still with him.

The next morning, Ben and I set up a camera and confirmed Emily was leaving her room at night, interacting with Lucas. Ben realized it had gone too far and arranged for Emily to get the help she needed.

It was painful, but Lucas began to understand the truth, and our family grew stronger, united by love and the challenges we faced together.