Morning came, and Daniel left for work. Finally.

The house felt different without him. Lighter, even with guards stationed in every corner. Freedom was still impossible. Nothing had truly changed.

But Emma could breathe without performing. Think without measuring every word. She could be herself—or what remained after days of pretending to be a willing wife to a monster.

She found Sophia in her room, sitting on the bed, staring at nothing. The girl looked lost in a way ...