The journey was a silent, suffocating battle of wills. The luxury car, a capsule of chilled air and unspoken accusations, ate up the miles until the city skyline gave way to the vast, gray expanse of the ocean. Michael pulled the car to a stop before a stark, modern villa perched on the cliffs, its glass walls reflecting the turbulent sea.

"Get out."

The two words were a command, devoid of warmth. Linsy obeyed slowly, her movements hesitant, like a condemned prisoner approaching the gallows. ...