For months, she had explained away Victor’s behavior.
The jealousy.
The anger.
The control.
She had convinced herself it wasn't serious.
Until that night.
Until she stood in front of a locked door.
Daniel noticed her expression.
“Grab your things.”
Victor immediately responded.
“No.”
Daniel looked at him.
“Yes.”
Victor smiled.
“You really don’t understand.”
Daniel stayed quiet.
Victor continued.
“I’m a professional fighter.”
Daniel nodded.
“I know.”
“You know what that means?”
“Yes.”
Victor stepped closer.
“It means I can make this very difficult.”
Daniel looked at him.
“No.”
Victor paused.
“No?”
“It means you’re used to people being afraid of you.”
Daniel looked directly at him.
“But fear isn't respect.”
The words created a silence Victor wasn't prepared for.
Because deep down, he knew something.
Daniel wasn't impressed by the things that impressed everyone else.
The money.
The fame.
The fighting record.
None of it mattered.
Maya quietly walked toward the bedroom.
Victor watched her.
“Where are you going?”
She stopped.
“To get my bag.”
“You’re really leaving?”
“Yes.”
Victor shook his head.
“You’ll regret this.”
Daniel stepped between them.