“I need to talk,” Evelyn said as she opened the door to her apartment. William stood in the doorway. Her voice was flat, but the storm in her eyes couldn’t be hidden.

William stared at her for a moment before stepping inside without a word. His hands were still slightly trembling from the message she had sent that morning—just one line: Meet me tonight. Alone.

Inside, the apartment felt cold, even though the heater was on. Evelyn gestured for William to sit on the sofa, then walked over to the window, her back facing him. Her body was stiff, as if she were holding back something that threatened to pour...