Derrick managed a polite smile, channeling every bit of calm he had. “Emily’s always been modest about our lives. We’ve been busy settling into our new home and jobs. It’s been a whirlwind.”

Emily nodded beside him, her eyes silently pleading for him to continue. Derrick could tell she was scared—of her father, of what he might do if he found out she’d left her husband. But more than that, she was afraid of losing her newfound independence, fragile as it seemed.

“Whirlwind, indeed,” Mr. Lawson replied, though his eyes never left Derrick’s. “I suppose that means we’ll be seeing more of you at family functions, then?”