A spark

A few days later, life settled into a comfortable rhythm for the family of four. The children were thriving in their new school, eagerly sharing stories of their day each evening. Jack and Lily’s laughter filled the house, and it warmed Yvonne’s heart to see them so happy. But what truly surprised her was the subtle shift in her own life.

Under Micheal’s insistence, Yvonne had begun planning to finish her studies. He had encouraged her in that calm yet determined way he always did, telling her how much she still had to live for. He noticed how uncomfortable she felt not being able to contribute financially for the kids and assured her, more than once, that he would never want her to worry about bills. However, Micheal knew that Yvonne wouldn’t fully understand that until she had her own means and saw that he would still let her keep it, all while spoiling her with everything he had.

At first, Yvonne hesitated. It had been years since she left her academic life unfinished—two years lef