Chapter 1: Kate
Contains spoilers
Summary
- Kate, the protagonist, is anxiously adjusting her makeup as she senses her husband Simon's arrival.
- As Simon enters and pours himself wine, Kate tries to appear normal, despite feeling a sense of panic.
- She wears a red dress and silver necklace—gifts from Simon that she feels are more for his pleasure than her comfort.
- Simon, somewhat inebriated, questions Kate about her day and becomes violent when she insists she stayed home.
- After slapping her, Simon departs, threatening to know if Kate disobeys his command to stay put.
- Kate realizes Simon might have other means to monitor her movements, potentially even involving the doorman.
- Fearing Simon's escalation if he learns of her undisclosed actions earlier that day, Kate decides to flee for good.
- She has prepared a secret backup plan, including a second phone and a plotted escape route.
- Quickly changing her clothes and grabbing a hold-all with essentials, Kate leaves behind her usual phone and a necklace Simon can track.
- Despite fears of being caught, she manages to leave the apartment undetected and gets into her car in the garage.
- Kate navigates to her great-aunt's address in Cumbria, holding onto hope as she begins her escape.