While My Wife-s Stepchild Is Taking A Bath... C... (2026)

James hangs up. As he lifts Lily from the water, she whispers: “Mommy’s not really Carla, is she?” He freezes. The bathroom door clicks shut behind him. The lock turns from the outside.

He hesitates. Then answers. Carla’s voice is clipped, almost frantic: “James, don’t react. Just listen. Lily isn’t safe in the bath. Get her out now. I’ll explain later.” He looks at Lily. She’s staring at the drain, trembling slightly. The water seems to darken — a trick of the light? He reaches for her hand. She flinches. While my wife-s stepchild is taking a bath... C...

James (43) — second husband, stepfather of two years. He tries hard but feels like an outsider. His wife, Carla, is away on a business trip. He is alone with her daughter, Lily. James hangs up

James kneels beside the tub, rolling up his sleeve to test the water temperature. Lily doesn't look at him. He notices bruises on her arm — small, purplish, finger-shaped. His blood chills. Before he can ask, his phone buzzes on the sink. Caller ID: "C." — Carla. The lock turns from the outside