The soft glow of candlelight flickered over the dinner table, casting a warm hue over the room as Zander and Victoria sat across from each other, enjoying their quiet meal. The night was almost serene, if not for the lingering tension between them—the shared secret, the plan they were both slowly pulling into motion.

Zander took a sip of his wine, his eyes watching Victoria with a certain level of scrutiny. He set the glass down, leaning back in his chair. “Maya’s been talking about taking a trip soon. She wants to go somewhere out of the country for a while. You know, a break. I’m sure she’d love for...