The Starlight Diner hummed with the oblivious energy of a Saturday morning crowd, but in the back corner booth, the air was entirely frozen. Mara stood perfectly straight; the phone with the still-playing video on repeat lay across the red vinyl table between the empty teacups and Sofia’s abandoned pancakes.
Adrian navigated the final narrow aisle, shaking the last of the rain from his dark hair. His broad shoulders were relaxed, his dark eyes filled with a soft, genuine relief at finding her safe. He thought he was walking into a rescue mission. He thought he was playing the final, winning moves of his calculated game.
"Mara," Adrian said, his voice warm and steady. He barely glanced at Sofia. His entire focus was locked on Mara’s pale, rigid face. "I saw your car outside. I wanted to m
