Chapter 10 Deadbeat Inside her car , Elizabeth broke down .
The last shreds of her composure fell apart in the silence .
Julian , you deadbeat ! How dare you just walk out on me like that ? The moment Elizabeth slid into her car , the dam broke .
All the emotions shed been holding back erupted in a flood .
Tears streamed down her face , her chest heaving with raw , aching grief .
Standing in that camp , staring at those lifeless figures draped in white sheets , their fireproof suits peeking out , shed been gripped by terror .
She was terrified she wouldnt find Julian .
Worse , she was terrified that if she lifted one of those sheets , she would see him .
lying lifeless underneath .
Now , alone in her car , Elizabeth couldnt keep up the facade .
Her heart felt pierced , each beat a sharp , scaring pain .
Is Julian really gone ? She didnt know , and she couldnt bring herself to keep looking .
Shed spent years honing her inner strength through her Chapter 10 Deadbeat Buddhist practice , convinced shed fortified her heart against lifes storms .
But at this moment , she was undone , her defenses shattered .
2/7 Crumpling over the steering wheel , she sobbed like a child , her cries echoing in the quiet car .
Then her phone rang , cutting through the haze of her grief .
Elizabeth bolted upright , her heart leaping as she fumbled for the phone , hope surging through her .
Is it Julian ? Her mind raced , already crafting excuses for him .
Maybe hed been so consumed with fighting the wildfire that he hadnt had a moment to check in .
Maybe his phone was dead because there was no power up in the mountains .
She clung to every hopeful thought she could find .
Julian still loves me .

He still cares .
Thats why the moment his phone came back on , he called me first … Right ? The faintest spark of relief warmed her chest .
Chapter 10 Deadbeat But then her eyes locked onto the screen .
It wasnt Julian .
It was Callum .
Why him ? The fragile hope on her face froze and then crumbled .
3/7 Once , Julians calls had annoyed her , while Callums lit up her day .
Now , everything had flipped .
How desperately she wished Julian would reach out , just once .
The phone kept ringing , insistent .
Elizabeth looked up at the scorched ruins around her , the aftermath of the wildfire still smoldering in the distance .
With a heavy sigh , she closed her eyes .
When she opened them , shed wiped away her tears and steadied her breathing .
She answered the call as she started the car , ready to leave this place behind .
Hey , Callum , whats up ? Elizabeth , youve been ghosting me all day .
Is work keeping you that busy ? Uh … Yeah , its been hectic at the company today .
Whats going on ? Chapter 10 Deadbeat 4/7 She hesitated but followed his lead , her voice carefully neutral .
Nothing major .
Gideons been begging to see you , and hes wearing me down , so I figured Id give you a call .
Hope Im not interrupting ? Callums tone was tentative , probing .
Before Elizabeth could respond , Gideons eager voice burst through .
Mommy , when are you coming home ? Daddy and I miss you ! Daddy booked a fancy dinner tonight , but you didnt show , and he was so bummed .

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He brought the food home , though .
Are you gonna eat with us ? Gideons barrage of questions softened the tension in Elizabeths brow .
She took a deep breath , forcing a smile as she replied , Oh , sweetie , that sounds wonderful .
Tell your dad Im sorry for missing dinner .
Wait for me , okay ? Im done with work , and Ill be home tonight for our big meal .
The moment she finished , Gideons cheers rang out , bright and infectious .
Chapter 10 Deadbeat 5/7 Callum took the phone back .
Alright , well be waiting .
Need met to pick you up ? No , Im good .
Okay then .
Drive safe .
Gideon and I will be at home .
Got it , Elizabeth said , her voice warm and patient , a practiced gentleness in her tone .
As the call ended , her smile faded .
A shadow passed over her eyes , her expression turning murky , unreadable .
She turned the car around and dialed Edward .
Ms.
Bennett , what do you need ? I want you to pull the list of firefighters who died in this wildfire .
Check if … if Julians name is on it .
Her voice trembled , each word laced with cautious dread .
That bad ? Im sure Mr.
Thorntons fine .

Ill compile the info and get back to you as soon as I can .
Edwards voice tightened with concern .
No rush , Elizabeth said , her gaze lingering on the firefighting camp outside her window , its tents stark against the blackened Chapter 10 Deadbeat carth .
Just have it ready for me tomorrow morning at the office .
Im tied up tonight .
Dont disturb me .
Understood , Ms.
Bennett , Edward said respectfully .
The call ended , and Elizabeths face settled into calm resolve .
She tucked her phone away , pressed the gas , and drove off without looking back .
Buddhism teaches that emotions and desires are tests of the heart in this fleeting world .
Elizabeth knew she couldnt escape those feelings , but she refused to let them rule her for long .
She saw no point in lingering here .
Julian might still be out there , fighting the fire .
He might be sulking , hiding from her to prove a point .
Or … he might be gone .
But tomorrow morning , shed have an answer .
For tonight , she chose to let it go .
Shed go home to Gideon , share that meal , and be present for him .
6/7 After Elizabeth left , Kennedy caught a glimpse of her car as it pulled away .
He turned to me , his brow furrowed with curiosity .
Chapter 10 Deadbeat 7/7 Julian , that car looked familiar .
Was that yours ? Did your wife come looking for you ?