Officer Johnson was walking down the hall with a doctor by his side. "Thank you for informing us about the body you found at the seaside last night," the officer said. "I know it must have been a difficult situation." "It certainly was," the doctor replied. "But I wanted to make sure you knew as soon as possible. I'm just glad we were able to get a message to you." As they walked, nurses and other hospital staff hurried past them, carrying files and pushing carts full of supplies. The bustle of the hospital was overwhelming, but the officer and the doctor paid it to none of their concern. The doctor led the officer to a quiet room, and opened a long drawer where a woman's body lay. The officer immediately covered his nose as the smell of decay filled the room. The doctor explained, "She's completely waterlogged, and I'm not sure how long she's been in the water." The officer held up a photo of Nichole. "Is this her?" he asked. The doctor studied the photo for a moment, then

Carmela took a deep breath and turned back to the morgue. "I'm ready to go," she said to Officer Johnson. "I want to take my kids home." "Of course," he said, his voice kind. "We've done everything we need to do here. I'll drive you home and make sure you and the kids are safe." Carmela felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you," she said. "You've been so helpful. I really appreciate it." When Carmela and the kids arrived home, Max rushed out to meet them. He hugged the kids tightly, relief evident on his face. "Thank God you're safe," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I was so worried." Carmela looked at him, her expression stern. "You should have been there," she said. "Where were you?" Max's face fell. "I'm sorry," he said. "I was at work, and I didn't know anything had happened until you called me. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I was trying to surprise you," Carmela said. "when we both realized the kids were missing, everything fell apart. I didn't wa

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city below. In a darkened bedroom, Carmela slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Beside her, Max lay still, his long eyelashes resting gently on his cheeks. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner. Then, suddenly, the quiet was broken by the bright light of Carmela's phone screen. A notification flashed on the screen, alerting her to a new message. The phone kept beeping, its shrill sound cutting through the silence of the room. Reluctantly, Carmela opened her eyes and reached for her phone. As she squinted at the screen, she saw that there were ten new notifications. The messages all read the same: "Help." Carmela's heart began to race as she wondered what this could mean. Was someone in trouble? Or was this some kind of prank? Carmela sat up in bed, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced over at Max, who was still sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the sit

"If what you're saying is true, Max," Carmela said, her voice quavering, "then I've been with the wrong person all along. I've been in love with someone who was a lie." She looked at Max, her eyes full of questions. "How can I trust you now?" Max reached out to touch her hand, but Carmela pulled away. "I know you're angry," he said softly. "I know you have every right to be. But please, let me explain. I can prove to you that everything I'm saying is true." Carmela felt dizzy and overwhelmed. She didn't know what to believe anymore. Max reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace. She resisted at first, but then her strength gave out and she let herself be held. She buried her face in his chest and began to sob. Her body shook with the force of her emotions. "It's okay," Max whispered. "It's all going to be okay. Just let it out. Let it all out." When it was due, Carmela and Max headed back home. That house was originally Max’s but after everything that had happened, Maxwell

Carmela's heart was racing as she watched Maxwell approach them, a gun in his hand. He was getting closer and closer, and she and Max were backing up against the wall. There was nowhere to run, and they were trapped. "Please," Carmela said, her voice shaking. "Don't do this." Maxwell just smiled, his eyes cold and cruel. "Oh, I'm going to do it," he said. "And there's nothing you can do to stop me." Max stepped forward, his voice firm. "Listen to me, Maxwell," he said. "You need to let go of your obsession with Carmela. It's not healthy, and it's not right. She's not yours, and she never will be." Maxwell laughed, a low, dark chuckle that sent a chill down Max's spine. "Oh, but that's where you're wrong," he said. "If you're out of the picture, then Carmela will be all mine." "We're brothers," Max said, his voice firm. "I know you could never kill me. We're family." Maxwell's smile faded, and his eyes flashed with anger. "You think I care about that?" he said. "I don't. If I wan