Chapter 7: First Sign of Trouble
I awoke on a tranquil Saturday morning, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sweet scent of warm pancakes. This delightful fragrance wafted through the air like an inviting melody, gently coaxing me from the depths of my dreams.

As I sat up, sunlight cascaded through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft golden glow across the penthouse like a warm embrace. In the corner, Millie and Rory lay sprawled on the floor, tucked beneath a shared blanket that enveloped them like a cocoon of comfort.

Jason stole a glance at the ornate clock perched on the nightstand, its hands ticking steadily away the moments. Vanessa would be gone for at least three hours—ample time to indulge in what he had been yearning for. The house enveloped him in a tranquil hush, the silence wrapping around him like a luxurious cocoon. His heart raced with a blend of excitement and nervousness as he stepped softly across the plush carpet, making his way toward the sanctuary of their bedroom closet.