Chapter 17 - THE ESTRANGED BROTHER ARRIVES
Two days later, a beat-up rusted sedan pulled into the driveway of Ethan and Maya's quiet suburban home.
Maya looked out the kitchen window, her heart sinking as she recognized her estranged younger brother, Julian.
Julian had been absent from her life for four years, swallowed by addiction and criminal debts in Houston.
Maya opened the front door cautiously, keeping baby Liam safely in his crib upstairs.
"Julian? What are you doing here?" Maya asked, her voice filled with a mixture of worry and suspicion.
"Hey, big sister. Can't a brother visit his family and see his new nephew?" Julian asked nervously, fidgeting with his jacket.
Julian looked clean-cut, wearing brand-new clothes that looked entirely too expensive for his usual poverty.
"I heard about what happened with Ethan's crazy parents on the news. I wanted to make sure you were okay," Julian added smoothly.
Maya softened slightly, inviting him inside into the bright, luxurious kitchen for a cup of coffee.
May you like
Julian stepped inside, his eyes darting toward the upstairs hallway where the nursery was located.
***
