I’ll act the part of your wife.

Ava slipped into the villa, the soft sound of her steps echoing faintly through the quiet space. As she crossed the foyer, her gaze landed on a shadowy figure sitting on the sofa in the dimly lit hall. Her breath hitched, her body stiffening in alarm. 'Did someone break in?' she thought.

But as her eyes adjusted to the low light, the familiar silhouette came into focus. Her tension eased slightly, though her surprise remained.

"Dylan! Why are you sitting in the dark?" She moved toward the light switch, flipping it on and flooding the room with brightness.

Dylan's face became fully visible, his expression dark and unreadable as he swirled the amber liquid in the glass he held. "Are you disappointed to see me here?"

He downed the rest of his drink in one swift motion, then slammed the glass down on the coffee table with a loud thud.