Maxwell cuffed his hands around Carmela's wrists, holding her tight. She winced in pain, her eyes wide with fear. "Please," she said, her voice shaking. "Please, let me go. You're hurting me."

Maxwell looked into her eyes, his expression pained. "I'm sorry," he said. "But I'm doing this for your own good. You have to trust me."

"Why?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Why are you doing this? Just let me go. Please."

"I love you, Carmela," Maxwell said, his voice cracking. "Please, just trust ...