James remained seated in front of the house, half-conscious that it was already dawn and still hoping that Zia would return home safely. Several of his men accompanied him as they waited for Zia.

“Mr. James, it's already morning. You haven't rested at all,” said one of his men.

There was no response from James. His gaze was vacant, and his mind was busy talking to himself. He regretted maltreating Zia over the past five years and not telling her directly why he had done all that.

As if making a promise to himself, James would apologize and tell her all the lies he had told her. Zia had been...