Daniel looked up, eyes widening in shock. His face was a tapestry of emotions—guilt, surprise, shame. “Laura,” he stammered, “I didn’t expect—”

“You didn’t expect me to find you?” Laura interrupted, her voice steady. “You thought you could just disappear and leave me to pick up the pieces?”

Daniel opened his mouth to speak, but Laura continued, her words unwavering. “I deserve answers, Daniel. Why did you do this? Why put me through hell?”