ghtforward and easier-to-

ext M

ville was lying peacefully beside her. She ge

n for over thirty minutes. Afterward, she wrapped a thick towel around herself, dressed in a warm sweater, and a thick pair of pants. She close

him. He quickly checked the bathroom, but she wasn't there. W

room?" he muttered. He opened the wi

e, pulling the blanket off her. She was dren

ne!" He shoo

he mumble

saw her skin, which made him furi

rest. I'm so tir

n. "What have you

ed at him tiredly. "The hot water will h

fy room to do this?" he asked angr

he room, pulling the bla

n, clearly upset. "Millie, is

st done," Millie answ

m and turned on the TV. Millie cal

and as Millie served him, he said

to fetch Anne but returned quic

p, fuming. "Wha

, but she wasn't ther

airs. When he came back downstairs without finding her,

and quickly brough

leave the house?

he gate for her,

ndro to stumble. "How dare you open

e said she was going to get

king away. He turned to Ale

one rang. It was Mrs. Federica, the elderl

w are you?" An

. Can you come home no

ay?" Anne wondere

dear. Just

there." Anne quickly

oor. Millie was busy in the kitchen. She slipped out through the backyard to avo

here are

t my painkillers at my apart

ed but then opene

rica and Frank sitting outside. She gre

d the seat next to

aying between the

ll me so urgent

and Frank have been through a lot.

ank, who was quiet

ling bitter. It must be guilt, just like I

tinued. "Don't let his mistakes take away the l

leave, but Frank

hurting me," she said,

ip tightened. "Anne, please. I'm sorry

up. "Let me go. I don'

e else?" Frank asked,

him even more frantic. "Tell me,

lle and the contract b

" Frank asked, lifting her ch

d she saw the marks on her neck. Frank noti

ked away. "I...

"You didn't come home la

ed. "I went

Frank begged. His eyes we

r man touching Anne w