31

One

Talia sat in her office, the usual hum of the air conditioner filling the room as she flipped through documents, signing off one after the other. Her phone buzzed on the desk, drawing her attention. A message flashed on the screen from an unknown number:

*"Meet me at Dior Hotels for the shock of your life! Road 101."*

Her heart skipped a beat. Confusion swirled in her mind, and she stared at the message in disbelief. What could this mean? Who would send something so cryptic?

Flashbacks flooded her mind. Talia recalled the image of her husband, Marco, rushing down the stairs, his suitcase in hand.

“Breakfast is ready,” she had said with a smile, hoping to share a meal before he left.

Marco had leaned in to kiss her cheek before replying, “I wish I could, but I’m running late for my flight. Another business trip, you know how it is.”

She had nodded, supporting him as always, never once doubting his word.

The memory faded, and Talia’s grip tightened on her phone. As the manager of