Quinn stood alone in the dim hallway, staring down at his wedding ring. It caught the low light, glinting like a lie wrapped in gold. The band had once meant love, partnership, a future. Now it was just a hollow symbol of betrayal and manipulation. He rolled it between his fingers, jaw clenched, heart heavy—but not from grief. From clarity. The life he thought he had with Alicia was a facade, a memory built on false ground. With a slow breath, Quinn slid the ring off his finger and slipped it into his pocket. It felt like exhaling a breath he’d been holding for years. He turned and made his way down the hall. Sasha was in one of the guest rooms, perched at the edge of the bed, trying—unsuccessfully—to change her bandages. The shirt she wore was resting on the bed next to her, she was on

