What began as a desperate act of survival—asking a stranger to pose as her husband—turned into the doorway to Emily’s freedom. For years, she had lived under her father’s harsh expectations and her ex-husband’s control. But when Derrick stepped in, first as a shield, then as a friend, something shifted. Their fake story over coffee gave way to real conversations over dinners, laughter, and encouragement that rebuilt her confidence.
Continues…





