After moving in with my boyfriend, Brian, and his daughter, Alicia, my 5-year-old son, David, changed. He stopped playing, clung to me, and flinched whenever Alicia came close. Everyone said he’d adjust, but I felt something was off.

Before Brian, life was simple—just me and David in our tiny apartment. Our mornings started with cartoons, and our nights ended with bubble baths and dinosaur battles. It was exhausting, but it was our routine. Then I met Brian, and everything shifted.We began dating, and soon we introduced the kids. They didn’t hit it off right away, but after a few months, Brian invited us to live with him. I was hesitant, but seeing David finally smile again convinced me. Life with Brian and Alicia felt magical at first. But soon, cracks began to show. David’s favorite toys were damaged, and he was distant.