That night, they went back to the villa.

For New Year’s, Kingsward was louder than usual. The whole drive was lined with glittering lights, bright as fireworks frozen in midair.

In the car, the two kids chattered nonstop. The two adults sat on the other side, looking out at the lights together, each lost in their own thoughts.

The man’s palm quietly closed around the woman’s hand.

Francesca didn’t pull away.

By the time ...