Chapter Six – The Loyalty Test
Daniel had always controlled the house. But now, Julia realized, he was starting to control her mind.
The weekend began with a surprise.
On Saturday morning, Daniel told Julia to get dressed.
She blinked, stunned. He never let her leave the house—not since the walls of her life had been sealed in paint and locks.
“Where are we going?” she asked carefully.
He smiled, as if it were a normal Saturday and not a nightmare wearing a wedding band. “You’ll see.”
Her stomach twisted. Surprises with Daniel were never gifts. They were lessons.
Still, she slipped into jeans and a sweater, her hands trembling as she buttoned them.
The car ride was silent.
Julia stared out the window as streets and houses blurred by. She hadn’t been outside in weeks. The world lo
