Mrs Riley's POVThe car eventually drove away, but the tension in our house stayed behind. "I'm going to bed," I told Lorenzo, my voice tired. "Are you coming?"

He nodded, following me upstairs without a word. Each step felt heavy, like my legs were made of concrete.

Our bedroom had always been our safe place. The one spot where we could be completely honest with each other. Tonight, though, the air felt thick and dangerous between us.

I kicked off my shoes and sat on the edge of our bed. ...