Chapter 2 - Shattered ReflectionsThe water swallowed Julian whole.
Cold darkness closed around him.
His expensive suit became an anchor as he fought downward, searching through bubbles and distorted sunlight.
Then he saw her.
Eleanor.
Her silver hair floated around her face. One hand was trapped beneath the wheelchair.
Her eyes found Julian's.
Fear.
That was all he needed.
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled.
The wheelchair refused to move.
Julian kicked harder.
His lungs screamed.
For a moment, he wondered if they would both drown.
Then metal shifted.
Eleanor came free.
Julian dragged her toward the surface with everything he had.
They broke through the water.
He hauled her onto the pool steps and dropped beside her, coughing violently.
"Eleanor!"
She gasped.
Julian wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm here. I'm here."
Across the pool deck, Valeria stood perfectly still.
She was pretending to be horrified.
But Julian saw it.
That tiny flicker in her eyes.
Satisfaction.
He slowly stood.
Water poured from his ruined suit.
His face had changed.
The frightened husband was gone.
Something colder had taken his place.
"You tried to kill her."
Valeria's lips trembled.
"Julian, I—I lost control—"
"No."
He stepped closer.
"You knew exactly what you were doing."
She backed away.
"Listen to me."
"I've listened to you for years."
His voice became frighteningly quiet.
"Now you're going to listen to me."
He removed his wedding ring.
It landed on the marble between them.
"It's over."
Valeria stared at him.
"What are you saying?"
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Julian never blinked.
"I want a divorce."
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