The villa smelled like lemons and fresh lavender.
The morning air was cool, dew still clinging to the stone walkway as Elira walked barefoot, holding a steaming cup of black coffee.
Her daughter, now safe, was inside with a tutor—singing softly under her breath while coloring in shapes.
It was peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Damian hadn’t returned from his call.
And it had been over an hour.
Elira’s heart kicked once—hard.
She walked to the end of the garden, where tall hedges separated their home from the outside world. Nothing but still air and silence.
But still, something was off.
Inside the villa, she found him in the office.
His face was tense, jaw locked, his phone still warm in his palm. She didn’t need to ask. She could see it in his eyes.
“What happened?”
He didn’t answer ri
