Chapter 1: Kate

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.

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