Chapter 2: The Call That Changed Everything
Across the room, Arthur Collins watched her carefully.
He had seen that look before.
Not on Emily—but on her father.
Years ago.
The kind of look that meant decisions had already been made. Irreversible ones.
Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
Daniel noticed.
“Arthur… what are you doing?” he asked, unease creeping into his voice.
Arthur didn’t answer immediately. His eyes stayed fixed on Emily as she calmly removed her engagement ring.
“Daniel,” Emily said softly, walking toward him, “you should’ve listened when I said I don’t repeat myself.”
The room went silent again.
“What are you talking about?” Daniel laughed nervously. “This is ridiculous. You’re upset, you fell—let’s just—”
“I warned you,” she interrupted. “Respect was the only condition.”
Arthur exhaled slowly… and began dialing.
That’s when Daniel felt it.
Not fear.
May you like
Not yet.
But something close.
