I woke up to a loud thud from downstairs, heart racing, my body jolting upright in bed. For a moment, I couldn’t shake off the nightmare I was having—being chased by a mob of desperate women wielding pitchforks and torches. Their faces twisted in rage, like I’d stolen something precious from them. It was the kind of dream that leaves you rattled long after you wake up, especially when you’re married to people's enemy and got a threatening text just a few hours ago.

I rubbed my eyes and ...