"I'm not a man of many words... солнышко," he said softly, the Russian endearment curling off his tongue like smoke-sweet, but choking.
"Come closer."
She hesitated, her body trembling, tears spilling soundlessly down her cheeks. He watched her, the way fear made her small, fragile-beautiful in a broken way.
She rose, slow as a confession, and walked to him because something in his smile promised shelter and tasted like a lie.
He leaned in, close enough to feel his breath, and I saw the patient cruelty behind his eyes.
"Now," he murmured, his voice turning colder, heavier, "tell me... what did you do to make me want to cut your leg?"
The room went still, except for her quiet gasps. He tilted his head, studying her face as if searching for the moment she would break.
...............................................................
Linda finally gets her big break - a visa sponsorship job at the Lincoln Foundation. She's placed with the Adams family, a kind couple who welcome her with open arms and treat her like the daughter they never had. Their home is beautiful, their hearts warm, and for the first time, Linda feels a sense of belonging. But everything changes the night of a business party hosted by Mr. Adams. There, she meets Arseny - and from that moment, her dream life slowly turns into a haunting nightmare.