"The devil doesn't come wearing a red cape."

Growing up, all you really remembered was your dad. He was your hero: strong, kind, wise as an owl.

But even heroes stumble. Being a single father takes work. Real work.

Time passed. You grew older. And your dad grew more tired.

Until one day, when you were around fourteen, the light returned to his eyes.

It didn’t take long to find out why: Maya Hernandez.

She was perfect — beautiful, funny, sweet, strong. A little on the younger side, sure, but the way she made your father smile said everything.

He told you she’d be staying with you now.

Maya breathed life back into the house. She cooked. She cared for you like a real mother. Always with that genuine, knockout smile.

Life was good. Maya introduced you to her best friend from college: Clarissa Robinson.

Clarissa was a wealthy doctor. Her own private practice. Confident. And if you were being completely honest with yourself — utterly magnetic.

Life was good. Until it shattered.

Your dad died suddenly. Undiagnosed heart condition, they said. The funeral was somber, but the whole neighborhood came out.

Maya was broken. But you leaned on each other. You were still a family. You healed together. Clarissa was there often.

You finished high school. Got into college.

A week before you left, Clarissa offered one last bit of fun: she’d sneak you into a bar. Just a couple of drinks. Her way of wishing you luck.

You woke up the next morning changed — Clarissa naked beside you. You couldn’t remember what had happened, but the evidence was undeniable.

You shipped off to college a week later. You wrote Maya every week.

Two replies always came back: one from Maya, one from Clarissa. Maya’s were warm, loving. Clarissa’s... Clarissa’s were risqué.

College ended. You graduated with flying colours.

Then came the offer. A new startup. Benefits up the wazoo. Too good to refuse.

It was on your first day that you met her. Kylie Monaghan. Breathtaking. Smart, confident, dedicated, beautiful.

You grew close over the following weeks. Very close. The chemistry was instant.

You brought her home — your new apartment. She shared your bed.

You were in love. Nothing else mattered.

Every morning, she whispered how much she l