Michael sat in his apartment, head in hands, his mind racing with the morning's confrontation. His life felt like a frayed thread, barely holding together, slipping with each second. He stood, pacing the living room.

He imagined prison walls closing in, the metallic clang of a lock sealing him inside forever. How had it come to this? He'd planned everything, but Derek had found out. And Evelyn. Why the concern for her? She seemed to be considered family. Derek's earlier look had been intensely personal. Why was he so invested in her? The ringing phone jolted him from his thoughts.

Glancing at the screen, Michael scowled at Sandra's name. His stomach twisted, rage bubbling up. He pictured her smirk, oblivious to his knowledge of her plan to kill him.

How could she sound so normal, so calm, while plotting his death? He gripped the phone, wanting to scream, to confront her, to make her suffer. But he couldn't. The call was monitored; two police officers stood outside his door, ready to intervene.

Taking a deep breath, he answered, keeping his tone steady. "Hello, Sandra."

"Hey, Michael! How are you doing?" Sandra's voice was light and pleasant, as if nothing were amiss. "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

"Not at all," he replied, forcing casualness despite the tension in his jaw.

"Wonderful," she cooed. "I need a favor."

Michael clenched his fist, silently cursing her audacity. "What is it?" he asked, knowing she was likely sending him to his death.

"Oh, it's nothing big, just a delivery," Sandra explained sweetly. "I ordered some things online. The person insists on a specific location instead of home delivery. Would you mind picking it up? I have class."

"What exactly did you buy that requires such a 'discreet' location?" Michael asked suspiciously, maintaining a neutral tone.

"Oh, Mike," she chuckled, "nothing serious. Some essentials for your aunt's birthday. Just a few things to ensure the party goes smoothly. I'll stop by tomorrow, spend the day with you. I've missed you," Sandra added with a pout.

Her nonchalance made Michael's skin crawl. He knew he would have fallen into her trap had he not known her plan. He never would have doubted such a harmless-sounding request.

"Will you help, or should I make other arrangements?" Sandra asked, confident in his compliance, knowing he always gave in, especially with the promise of sex.

"Fine," he replied. "Send me the details."

"Thank you! I knew I could count on you." Sandra's voice practically sang with triumph.

He started to end the call, but stopped her, his voice softer, hesitant. "Sandy… do you still love me?"

A brief silence, then a light laugh. "Of course, Mike. Always have, always will. Don't be silly! You know you mean the world to me."

His heart shattered. The forced warmth, the fake affection—she sounded exactly like the woman he’d loved, yet he saw her now for what she was: manipulative, callous, and deadly.

"No reason. I was just wondering."

"Well, I need to go," she said quickly. "Derek should be here soon. Thank you again, Mike. You're a lifesaver! I'll send you the location."

She hung up. Michael let the phone fall onto the couch. He stared at the wall, feeling overwhelming loss and emptiness.

Tears welled, and he let them fall. He felt like a fool, used and discarded by the one person he'd loved and trusted. Everything he'd done—every lie, every crime—had been for her, and now she was discarding him like trash.

Had she ever loved him? Or had he been merely a means to an end? Had he been to her what Evelyn had been to him?

He hadn't realized the extent of his mistakes until now. The thought of his family finding out made him feel even worse.

A chilling thought crept in: What if he didn't go along with the plan? What if he took control and ended this cycle of betrayal?

He envisioned confronting Sandra, killing her as she had planned to kill him, making her pay. He could then kill himself, escaping prison's judgment. It would end her deceit and his pain. He remembered Derek's warning, but convinced himself Derek could do nothing if he succeeded.

It would be best for everyone. Prison was too good for someone as evil as Sandra.

Taking a deep breath, Michael decided to go along with the plan for now, then execute his own. He wouldn't let Sandra go free. They could both go to hell together.