RAYMOND POV

My nerves had frayed to the point of molten anger by the time they mentioned Lily’s name. It felt like my insides were being twisted into knots, with every mention of her pushing me closer to the edge. I watched as one of the mafia men barked an order to the guards to come get the suit case inside. The suitcase, intended to be a key component in my apology, seemed trivial compared to the atmosphere of menace that filled the room.

Humbled by the imposing presence of the armed guards, I took a step back, my eyes darting between the suitcase and the stern faces of the...