As Xavier walked out of the clean white room, the smell of the hospital lingered on his well-tailored suit. He had a rare grin with the corners of his mouth turned up. The harsh hospital lights cast sharp shadows over his chiseled features. "At least she's up," he thought to himself, enjoying the thought of Cathleen's strength. For a while now, his world had become dull and boring because he had so much power over it. "No one dares stand up to me... except for that prostitute wife of mine."

He talked to himself in a quiet growl, recognizing that Cathleen had a strong personality. It was a spirit that...