John stood in front of their small closet, packing a few clothes into a worn-out duffel bag. His mind raced with thoughts of what awaited him on this so-called "business trip." He knew it was just another of Oliver's manipulations, another way to remind him who held the power in his life. But there was no escaping it now. He had to go.
Sarah stood nearby, watching him pack, her arms crossed and worry etched across her face. She had been quiet since Taylor's visit the night before, and John could feel her anxiety lingering like a cloud in the room.
"John," she finally said, her voice soft but filled with concern, "are you sure you really need to go on this trip? It just feels... off. Like there's something more going on."
John paused for a moment, turning to look at her. He could see the fear in her eyes, and it tore at him. But what could he tell her? The truth? That he had no choice, that Oliver was pulling all the strings and there was no way out? He couldn't burden her with that, not after everything they'd already been through.
He forced a smile, trying to sound reassuring. "Everything will be fine, Sarah," he said gently. "It's just a few days. I'll be back before you know it."
But Sarah wasn't convinced. She stepped closer, her brow furrowed with worry. "I don't trust Oliver, John. Something about this feels wrong. What if..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken fears hanging in the air between them.
John placed a hand on her arm, squeezing it gently. "I'll be okay," he said quietly, though inside, he was anything but certain. "You just need to stay safe while I'm gone. It's only a few days."
Before Sarah could respond, there was a loud knock at the door.
John's heart sank, and they both knew who it was. He exchanged a glance with Sarah before walking over to answer it. He pulled the door open, and there stood Oliver, dressed impeccably as usual, his eyes glinting with that same cold, calculated expression.
"John," Oliver greeted him with a smug smile, his tone polite but condescending. "I just came to make sure everything is set for your trip. You don't need to worry about a thing. Everything's covered."
John nodded stiffly, feeling the weight of Oliver's words. "Thanks," he muttered, though it took everything in him not to snap back.
Oliver's eyes flickered toward Sarah, and then back to John. "You should get going," he said smoothly. "No need to drag this out, and there's certainly no need for your wife to escort you to the airport. I'll make sure she's well looked after while you're gone."
The way Oliver spoke, the way he lingered on the word "looked after," made John's stomach turn. He could feel his fists clenching at his sides, but before he could say anything, Sarah stepped forward, her voice firm.
"I'm going with him to the airport," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll see him off."
Oliver's face tightened briefly, the pleasant mask slipping just for a moment. He clearly didn't like being challenged, especially by Sarah, but he wasn't about to show his displeasure outright. "Well," he said with a thin smile, "if that's what you want, Sarah. Far be it from me to interfere."
John watched the exchange, a mixture of relief and tension filling his chest. He didn't want to leave Sarah alone with Oliver or Taylor for any longer than necessary. If she wanted to come to the airport, then at least they'd have a little more time together.
-At the Airport-
The drive to the airport was quiet, with Sarah holding onto John's hand as if she didn't want to let go. Oliver drove them, keeping up light conversation as if this was just another business trip, but John could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. There was an unspoken threat lurking beneath Oliver's calm demeanor, a reminder that no matter how ordinary this moment seemed, it was anything but.
When they arrived at the terminal, John and Sarah got out of the car while Oliver remained leaning against the driver's side door, watching them with a calculating gaze. John turned to Sarah, his heart heavy as he looked into her worried eyes. He could see that she didn't want him to go, and honestly, neither did he. But he had no choice.
Sarah reached up, touching his face softly. "Be careful," she whispered, her voice trembling just slightly. "I'll miss you."
John smiled weakly, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips. It was gentle, a brief moment of tenderness amidst all the chaos. "I'll miss you too," he whispered back, trying to hold onto this fleeting sense of normalcy.
As John pulled away and picked up his duffel bag, Oliver, still standing by the car, made a disgusted face, clearly unimpressed by the display of affection. He waited until John was a few steps away before calling out in that smooth, smug tone of his.
"John," Oliver called, his voice echoing across the busy terminal. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll take good care of your wife while you're away."
John froze, his heart sinking into his stomach. He turned, his jaw clenched as he saw Oliver step closer to Sarah, his hand resting casually on her shoulder. But before John could react, Sarah quickly shrugged off Oliver's hand, her eyes narrowing with disdain.
"Don't touch me," Sarah said coldly, her voice steady.
Oliver's smile didn't falter, but his eyes darkened, a flicker of frustration passing through them. "Of course," he said smoothly, stepping back with a mock bow. "I'm just trying to be helpful."
John stood there for a moment, torn between anger and helplessness. But what could he do? He had no choice but to leave, no choice but to trust that Sarah would be safe, even though every instinct in him screamed to stay.
"Take care of yourself, Sarah," John said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll be back soon."
Sarah nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I'll be waiting."
As John turned and walked through the airport doors, the weight of Oliver's words hung over him like a dark cloud. The image of Oliver's hand on Sarah's shoulder replayed in his mind, gnawing at him with every step.
And just before the doors closed behind him, John heard Oliver's voice, smooth as ever.
"Safe travels, John," Oliver called out. "We'll be just fine without you."