Celina told her everything: the break-in at the apartment, the mess that had been deliberately staged…

Zoe was in shock.

“That woman is a psychopath! Celina, you need to be careful.”

“I know. That’s why Gabriel’s been staying here since it happened. He’ll stay until Sunday. It makes me feel safer.”

They talked for a few more minutes, venting, exchanging words of comfort and strength. Even from a distance, Celina felt embraced. When they hung up, the smell of food coming from the kitchen was already filling the air.

She joined Gabriel, and they had dinner together. Celina told him about her trip to the mall, the baby furniture, the thrill of imagining the twins’ nursery coming together. Gabriel listened with full attention, his gaze overflowing with tenderness and support.

Afterward, they cleaned up together and got ready to rest. Gabriel slept on the couch.

On Friday morning, Celina woke with a heavy heart. The day was overcast, mirroring her mood. It was the eve of Thor and Isabela’s