Alex woke up before dawn, the first light of day just beginning to creep through the curtains. His mind was made up. There was no more room for hesitation or second-guessing. Today was the day he would finally put an end to the nightmare his marriage had become.

He moved through the house quietly, showering and dressing with robotic precision. Each action felt like a small step toward reclaiming his life, a life that had spiraled out of control since the day he and Emily had said their vows. ...