Lucas had been scheduled to travel to Seattle for an important deal, but a sudden storm grounded all departures. Instead of frustration, he felt an unexpected sense of relief. It meant he could go home early… surprise them.

On the way, he stopped at a local bakery and bought a box of cinnamon rolls—Teresa’s favorite.

He imagined her smile.

But when he arrived at the mansion, something felt wrong.

Music blasted from inside—loud, careless, out of place. Laughter echoed through the halls.

He stepped in and found Vanessa hosting a gathering. Several of her friends lounged around with drinks in hand, dressed in designer clothes, their voices sharp and indulgent.

Lucas greeted them briefly, scanning the room.

“Where’s Mom?” he asked.

Vanessa barely glanced at him. “Somewhere around.”

The answer didn’t sit right.

So he walked past them, toward the back of the house, his unease growing with every step.

And then he saw it.

Teresa.

Sitting on the cold ground near the dog enclosure.

She looked smaller than he remembered, wrapped in an old sweater that didn’t belong in that house—or in that life. Her shoulders were hunched, her hands trembling as she tried to eat from a cheap plastic plate filled with scraps.

She was crying.

Softly. Quietly. As if she had learned to do it without making a sound.

Standing over her was Vanessa.

Perfect posture. Perfect clothes.

A perfect cruelty.

“Hurry up and eat,” Vanessa snapped, her voice sharp with disgust. “I told you not to come inside when I have guests. You smell like cheap food and detergent. It’s embarrassing.”

Two women stood behind the glass door, watching and whispering.

Teresa lowered her head.

“I’m sorry…” she murmured. “I was just hungry… I haven’t eaten since yesterday…”

Vanessa sighed dramatically.

“Then maybe next time you’ll follow the rules,” she said coldly. “Tonight, you can sleep outside with the dogs.”

And then—

she poured her drink over Teresa’s head.

Lucas froze.

The box slipped from his hands, hitting the ground as the pastries scattered across the stone.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

His voice tore through the air.

Vanessa spun around, her face draining of color when she saw him.

“Lucas?! You’re back early—I can explain—”

He didn’t listen.

He walked straight past her, his expression unreadable but terrifying. He didn’t raise his hand—he didn’t need to. His presence alone was enough to make her step back, stumbling.