Upstairs in the mansion, far from the music and conversation below, Laura stepped into the bedroom and carefully closed the door behind her. She walked straight to the vanity mirror, taking a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“What are you doing here?” she asked without turning around when she heard the door open again.

Victor stepped inside and leaned casually against the door.

“I saw you slipping away from the party,” he said as he approached. “Why were you crying, Red?”

She