Chapter 5

At eight in the evening, there was still no word from Kaison.

In the past, around this time, Kaison would send me a message like clockwork: "Almost home, get dinner ready." Or sometimes: "Be good and wait for me." He always made me feel like a faithful guardian waiting for his return.

I suppose, over the years, I've been too accommodating, leading him to believe I was easy to take for granted.

By nine o'clock, I reached the airport, breezed through security, and my phone remained silent.

Alexis's words from yesterday loomed in my mind, unwelcome. I knew all too…