“I can’t go on like this, Deviana…”

Her grandfather’s trembling voice came through the phone, making Deviana—who was sitting on the balcony of her house—fall silent. That night the air was biting cold, but her heart felt even colder after her brief encounter with Adrian at the café.

“Grandpa?” Deviana pressed the phone tighter against her ear. “What do you mean? You sound serious.”

“There’s something you need to know. About Adrian’s family… and the reason why your marriage failed back then.”

Deviana froze. Her fingers instinctively gripped the balcony railing. “Grandpa… don’t tell me this has something to do with their threats.”

There was silence for a few seconds,...