When Luca pulled into the mansion's driveway, the house loomed before him like a prison. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the inevitable confrontation. As he walked inside, Ariana’s voice called out from the living room. He forced a smile, his heart racing as he stepped into the room. She looked up from her phone, her eyes scanning his body for any signs of his betrayal. But Luca had become a master of deception, his facade as solid as a fortress.

"Honey, I missed you so much!" Ariana squealed, throwing her arms around him. She smelled faintly of expensive perfume, a scent that now made him feel nauseous.