Maya sat on the edge of her bed, her gaze locked on the dim glow of the city lights. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, but she didn’t reach for it. She knew it was Daniel—he was always calling when things got complicated. But tonight, she wasn’t ready for him.

The phone buzzed again. She sighed, picking it up before the call could end.

“Hello?” she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Maya,” Daniel’s voice came through, softer than usual. “Are you okay? You haven’t responded to my messages.”

She closed her eyes, leaning back against the headboard. “I’m fine.”

“Don’t lie to me.” His voice was firm now,...