"Take him away." Anabel commanded, and the two officers stepped forward to take Sylvester. "Young men, you are coming with us. It's either you comply or you force you. Your choice."

“Wait—please! Anabel! Tell them to stop! We can talk, we can.” Sylvester pleaded, but she didn’t say a word. She stood like stone as the officers cuffed him and began to lead him out.

He looked back at her, eyes wide with panic. “Anabel, please! You loved me! You loved me!”

But she didn’t even flinch. Didn’t soften. She watched him go, and for the first time in a long time, she felt so satisfied.

She picked up her...