Only, that’s the point when the fairy tale stops. No one ever looks at what happens afterward. Do the prince and princess really stay together? Are they happy?

I feel like I should be, and I am. I’ve never felt so fulfilled and yet so empty. It’s the strangest feeling.

It took a couple of weeks to decide on a school for Melly. At least that kept me busy. She had school visits last week, but started officially this week.

Josh works all day while he’s getting this movie off the ground. He bought me a car, but I only drive to school to drop Melly off, and to pick her up afterward. I’m too paranoid to go sightseeing. What if I screw it up and am late to get her? But I don’t want to hire a nanny like some other parents seem to do.

I’m in this huge house, which doesn’t feel like mine. Every time I try to cook something, Mrs Becker appears as if she somehow knows I’m touching her appliances and fusses that she’ll make something for me until I leave.

I keep telling myself that it’ll just take some time to work through everything, but it’s been a month since we arrived, and every day’s the same.

I’m glad when we reach Friday. Josh has made sure to take weekends off to spend with us, and I’m looking forward to him getting home.

My stomach grumbles. It’s dinnertime, and I head to the kitchen. Of course, Mrs Becker’s already in there, standing by the oven. Melly’s sitting at the kitchen table with a cold drink.

“Delaney.” She smiles. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving. Josh should be home soon.”

She smiles. “Amelia was telling me just how much she missed mac and cheese, so I made some for your dinner.”

I smile. “That’s very kind of you.”

She nods. “I’m happy to make whatever you’d like. Just let me know. I’ll leave you to your dinner.”

Mrs Becker leaves the room, and I let out a long breath.

She’s so kind, but all it does is make it harder to push back. I’ve never felt like this before, never had any problem standing up for myself, but this isn’t a situation I’m used to. I’m out of my depth for the first time in a long time.

“Mac and cheese,” Melly chants. She’s so happy, and my priority is making sure she’s settled.

“Hey, you guys.” Josh slips his arms around me from behind and plants a kiss on the back of my neck.

“You’re home,” I say.

“Nowhere else I’d rather be.” He nuzzles me under the ear, taking a gentle bite of the lobe before stepping back and heading to Melly. “Did you have a good day?”