The prison doors buzzed open, the metallic hum filling the corridor. Footsteps followed, each one heavy against the cold tiles. The overhead lights cast long shadows that stretched across the walls, making the place feel even more hollow. Levi sat in his cell, his head bowed, shoulders slumped beneath the weight of chains. The cuffs around his wrists dug into his skin, and every small movement sent a sting through his ankles. The silence of the prison wrapped around him, broken only by the echo of approaching steps. “Hi.” The voice pulled his head up. Audrey stood at the bars. His wife. The woman he had once believed would stand beside him no matter what. Her long red hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and a faint smile rested on her lips. But her crimson eyes carried none of the warmth he remembered. They were sharp, steady, filled with intent. Levi straightened slowly. His eyes were dull, tired. “Finally, you came,” he said. He already knew her reason. Audrey was not just a

It was hot outside. The sweltering air shimmered above the ground. Levi stood at the prison gates in a white polo and blue jeans, one hand in his pocket, the other gripping the divorce papers. He glanced at his watch and sighed. His cab was already late. He had ordered the ride twenty minutes ago, but there was still no sign of it. “Where’s the damn cab?” he muttered. A deep roar cut through the heat. Levi looked up. At first, he expected a taxi, but the long, dark shape rolling in from the horizon told him otherwise. A sleek black limousine pulled closer and stopped right in front of him. His eyes landed on the crest etched into the door. His jaw tightened. “Shit,” he whispered. Before he could move, the door opened. A young woman jumped out, her long black hair whipping in the sun, her olive skin glowing. “Levi!” she screamed. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her chest pressed against him as she clung tightly. Levi stayed stiff, his face sour. With

Levi walked up the stairs, his hands folded across his chest, the broken pendant clutched tightly in his grip. The small piece of jewelry dug into his palm, but he didn’t loosen his hold. Behind him, Rose followed step by step. Her gaze never left him, her worry growing with every movement. The silence between them was thick, and neither spoke as they made their way down the long hallway. When they finally stopped at the doors to their rooms, Rose broke the silence. “I know someone who can fix that.” Levi turned, surprise flashing in his eyes. “Really?” Rose gave a firm nod. She reached out her hand, waiting. After a short pause, Levi placed the pendant carefully in her palm, his fingers brushing hers. “I’ll get it back to you before tomorrow ends,” she promised. Levi nodded once. “Thank you.” His voice was quiet, polite, but his face stayed heavy with gloom. Rose frowned. She studied him closely, bothered by the weight on his expression. Something deeper than the broken pen

Chandeliers glowed above the massive hall, pouring golden light across the crowd. Laughter and chatter bounced off the walls. Men and women dressed in sharp suits and elegant gowns filled the room, their polished shoes tapping against the marble floor. The air reeked of wealth, pride, and ego. Glasses clinked as waiters moved through the crowd, serving drinks that sparkled under the lights. The scent of perfume and wine blended together, heavy and rich. At the front stood a wide stage, draped in fine linen and flowers arranged with care. At its center was a tall glass pulpit, shining under the spotlights. Rose stood there, commanding attention. Her long black dress hugged her curves, the slit down the side showing just enough leg to draw eyes her way. A confident smile spread across her face. Moments ago, she had cracked one of her best jokes, and the room was still echoing with laughter. She looked at home here, as though the stage had been built for her alone. Among the crowd sat

The corridor outside was chaos. Smoke drifted from the far end where the explosion had gone off, filling the air with ash. The acrid stench burned in the throat, clinging to every breath. Screams rang out, sharp and frantic, bouncing off the marble walls. Two people broke from the crowd, sprinting desperately for the exit. Their footsteps struck the floor in frantic rhythm, echoing with raw terror. They didn’t make it. Gunfire tore through the hallway, sharp cracks that shattered the air. Both bodies collapsed before they ever reached the doors. Blood spread across the polished floor, staining the tiles beneath the broken chandeliers. From the haze stepped two masked men, rifles gripped tight in gloved hands. Their boots crushed shattered glass, each step steady and unhurried. One looked down at the corpses sprawled before him and cursed. “God damn it,” he growled, voice muffled through the mask. “Why do people have to be so stupid?” He spat and kicked the bodies aside, clearing