Chapter 1 - The Shattered Illusion
Adrian stood frozen as the high-definition video played on the massive television screen in the living room.
Every single pixel screamed the devastating truth he had been too blind to see just moments ago.
Vanessa had pushed the stroller with a cold and calculated shove.
Clara had thrown her own body across the hardwood floor to shield little Emma from the impact.
And Vanessa had lied to his face while shedding crocodile tears.
The stinging sensation in Adrian’s right hand suddenly felt like a massive weight of unforgivable guilt.
He looked down at Clara, whose cheek was turning a furious shade of red from where he had struck her.
She was still trembling on the floor, her eyes wide with shock and heartbreak.
Adrian took a hesitant step forward and reached out his hand to help her up.
Words of profound apology formed in his throat, but they never made it past his lips.
Vanessa let out a sharp, unhinged laugh that echoed terrifyingly through the silent house.
She lunged forward with frightening speed and snatched the smartphone right out of Olivia’s hands.
Before anyone could react, Vanessa smashed the device against the marble coffee table, shattering it into pieces.
She then pulled a sleek, silver handgun from her designer purse and pointed it directly at Adrian’s chest.
A wicked smile spread across her face as she backed toward the front door.
She told them that nobody was going to ruin her perfect plan.
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Adrian’s blood ran cold as Vanessa reached behind her and locked the heavy oak door.
She tossed the only key into the blazing fireplace and cocked the weapon.
