" Some weeks later, Ethan hauled the last box into the East Village walk-up. Derek had secured the rent-controlled unit through his father's connections—just like in the original timeline. Marcus Beni had helped carry boxes, then clapped him on the shoulder with a 'Don't let that guy walk all over you, man.' Now Ethan was officially Derek's roommate. Perfect. Closer access made the trap easier to set."
The subway rattled toward Queens, and Ethan watched Manhattan's skyline recede through scratched windows. He'd taken the 7 train a thousand times in his first life, but tonight felt different he was choosing to go back instead of running away from where he'd started.
Chloe Rivera had picked a small Italian place in Astoria, the kind of neighborhood spot where the owner knew your name and t
