Chapter 203

The second the call ended, Daniel’s phone buzzed again. He opened the app, tapped the ‘accept transfer’ button. Priya had sent two grand. That covered the phone. Ashton too—Priya could pass on the message. Daniel stared at his screen. His head was down. Fringe dipped over his eyes. ‘What’s the hold-up?’ I asked. ‘You stall any longer, and the shop’s going to close.’ He blinked hard and straightened up. ‘Right. Sorry, I zoned out a bit.’ He yawned. ‘I’m ordering now.’ Once the confirmation came through, I felt the pressure ease in my chest. Ashton would know I was safe. That was enough for tonight. We kept walking towards the hotel. The pavement was dry, but the air smelled faintly of car exhaust and fried onions from the halal cart at the corner. Daniel stopped abruptly. ‘Wait. That name you said earlier, Ashton. Was that Ashton Laurent?’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘You know him?’ ‘He’s my husband.’ He jerked his head around, wide-eyed. ‘Wait—hold on. You and him? Married?’ I showed him my ring. ‘I thoug