CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE: HIS WIFE

Tiana’s breathing seemed to steady slightly at his words, a small glimmer of hope flickering in the darkness. “Okay,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. “I trust you, Mark.” And as they spoke, Mark felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he couldn’t be there with Tiana in person, but he would do everything in his power to reassure her that she wasn’t alone. For in that moment, even though they were miles apart, he knew that their love would always be the guiding light that led them home. As Mark dialed Hazel’s number, his hand trembled with a mixture of anger and desperation. He knew that agreeing to marry her was the only way to protect Tiana, but the thought of sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of someone so twisted filled him with a profound sense of sorrow. When Hazel answered the phone, her voice was cold and calculating. “Mark,” she said, her tone dripping with venom. “I assume you’ve made a decision.” Mark took a deep breath, steeling himse