Chapter 2 ~ The Calm Before the Fall

ϖϖϖϖϖϖ

It was a bright Saturday afternoon, the kind that smelled like joy.

Birds chirped lazily above the Danyon residence as sunlight filtered through the windows, casting golden shapes across the tiled floor.

And in the middle of it all stood Liam Danyon—finally back from Canada.

He was carrying a suitcase, with a foreign-leather jacket on his shoulders. And a bank book so full it looked like it could buy the whole street.

“I missed this house,” Liam said with a grin, dropping the suitcase in the living room before pulling Nora into a hug. “And I missed you.”

Nora didn’t smile right away. She never did when it came to surprises. She just stared at him for a long beat, like she was trying to confirm he was real.

“I missed you too,” she said softly.

Liam lit up. “I closed the deal.” He said with pride. “It’s done. And this…” He handed her the bank book with both hands, like it was something fragile. “This is for you and the kids.”

She stared down at it for a second—then slowly looked up with a smile.

“I’m proud of you,” she said, and this time, it was real.

“Thank you, my love.” He kissed her forehead.

That day became a celebration. Liam insisted on it. There would be a candlelight dinner, music, maybe a short outing—and yes, even Noah.

“He was a huge help while I was gone,” Liam said. “It’s only right we include him.”

So, the plan was set.

They were going out that evening. A simple family dinner at the twins’ favorite spot. Oliver and Charlotte picked the place. They even wore matching denim and red sneakers, already shouting about ice cream like it was the main course.

But Noah—who had promised he’d meet them—was late.

“Work,” he texted. “Some deadline came up.”

So, with a little hesitation, they left without him.

Halfway through the drive, Nora’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen, saw Noah’s name, and sighed. Without thinking, she picked up.

“What do you want?” she said, already frowning.

Liam, who was driving, laughed under his breath. “You sound like someone stole your lunch money.”

On the other end, Noah’s voice was clipped. “Where are you guys now?”

Nora raised an eyebrow. “Why? I thought you weren’t coming.”

“I said I’d be delayed,” Noah snapped. “Jesus, Nora—are you always this difficult, or is it just me?”

She shrugged. “Guess it’s just you.”

Noah sighed tiredly on the other side of the phone, he knew it was a waste of time arguing with her. “I’m done now. I can still make it if you just tell me where.”

She hesitated. Part of her wanted to hang up.

“You know what’s funny?” Noah’s voice dropped, “You found out the truth. You know I didn’t forget your birthday. You know your husband took credit for my gift. And yet... I’m still the villain.”

Nora’s grip tightened on the phone. “Because he’s my husband,” she said coldly.

“He-he! Get that!” Liam chuckled, leaning toward her phone, so Noah could hear. “Tell him, baby.”

After Liam said that, there was a long paused and then came a soft, tired groan. “You son of a bitch…” Noah muttered.

Another pause.

He exhaled again. “Just tell me where you are. Please…”

Nora didn’t answer at first. Her lips parted, then closed again. Then finally—

“Fine. I think we’re—”

A strange glow suddenly passed through her eyes, cutting off midair.

She winced at the force of the glow, her face tightening like something inside recoiled. Then slowly, she peeked through one eye, confused.

And in the blink of an eye—it happened.

It gave no warning.