The next morning arrived with a deceptive calm. The sky outside their condo was streaked with pale lavender and soft gold, as though the world believed the day would unfold peacefully. But Marnie knew better. The tension building at work, Vanessa’s escalating tricks, and Michael’s fierce protectiveness were all brewing into something inevitable.
Michael emerged from the walk-in closet in a crisp black shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to show the veins along his forearms. He carried authority in every step—calm but powerful, confident but alert.
His eyes softened when he saw her adjusting the clasp of her necklace.
“Come here,” he murmured.
Marnie stepped toward him, and he gently turned her around, fixing the delicate chain at the back of her neck. His fingers brushed her skin,
