Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead The words hit me like a punch to the gut .
I froze for a second , but I soon forced a calm smile and shook my head .
Nah , youre mistaken .
Thats not our car .
Probably just some lost driver passing through .
He paused , then added , Oh , by the way , youve been here for days .
Have you checked in with your wife ? Yeah , I let her know Im okay .
Shes relieved , I replied , nodding quietly .
Good to hear .
The cleanups almost done here .
Just got word from the mountain , that the final phase of the fires been fully extinguished .
Kennedys voice brimmed with relief , his face softening .
Julian , this battle against natures wrath ? Its over .
Tomorrow , we head back to base .
Were going home .
Cheers erupted from the Team Two firefighters around us .
The prospect of returning home lifted everyones spirits .
Everyone except me .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead I wasnt sure I even had a home to return to .
2/8 Elizabeths silhouette as shed driven away lingered in my mind , and a bitter pang twisted in my chest .
Elizabeth , how am I supposed to trust you ? One minute , youre tearing through the camp , frantic to find me .
The next , youre in your car , all smiles , chatting sweetly on the phone .
That was Callum , wasnt it ? Id seen it all , and the image was seared into my heart .
A familiar wave of sorrow surged , threatening to pull me under .
Elizabeth doesnt really care about me … This time , I buried that grief deep , refusing to let it consume me .
One by one , the others were dropped off .

By the time we got back to the station , most of the truck was empty .
Those whose homes werent on the route leaped out , practically sprinting to get back to their families .
I was the last to step off , moving slowly , My odd behavior caught Kennedys eye .
He called out to me , his voice tinged with concern .
Julian , hold up .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead Whats up , Mr.
Adams ? 3/8 Nothing , just … Wheres your place again ? I couldve sworn it was on our route .
Youre wiped out , man .
You got it wrong .
My place is that way , I said with a chuckle , pointing in the opposite direction .
He didnt press further , just shook his head with a wry smile .
Guess Im getting old , memorys shot .
Alright , I wont keep you .
Go home .
Will do , Mr.
Adams .
After parting ways , I headed to the dorm , splashed water on my face , and changed into clean clothes .
I grabbed my suitcase , ready to leave .
I wasnt ready to tell the team about my divorce .
That meant I couldnt stay in the station dorms for now .
Now , I had no idea where to go .
Standing at the dorms entrance , I stared out at the familiar street beyond the station .
It shouldve felt like home , but it struck me as foreign , hollow .
Five years of marriage , and while my savings didnt match Elizabeths wealth , Id poured most of what I had into our life together .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead 4/8 With our divorce proceedings yet to begin , all my assets were tied up in our joint accounts .
I had barely a dime to my name .
If it comes to it , Ill crash at a hotel for a few days , I muttered , gripping my suitcase handle .

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Once the divorce is finalized and the assets are split , Ill figure out whats next .
But before I could take a step , a sharp , furious voice cut through the air .
Julian ! I looked up , startled to see Elizabeth standing there , her eyes blazing .
What are you doing here ? Why cant I be here ? Are you scared to face me ? she shot back .
She stormed toward me , stepping out of her sleek luxury car , her presence icy and commanding .
Her voice was sharp enough to slice through the morning air .
Why would I be scared of you ? Her accusation made me bristle , my tone hardening .
Because you pulled a stunt to deceive me , she snapped .
You know I follow Buddhist principles , and I despise liars .
And you still wont own up to it ? Elizabeth was shorter than me ; however , she was fierce .
As she glared up , her righteous fury made it feel like I was the one in Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead the wrong .
Own up to what ? What did I lie about ? I stared at her , genuinely baffled .
5/8 This womans always swamped , running her company, and visiting temples , and now shes got Callum and Gideon to keep her busy .
Her lifes full .
Whys she wasting time on someone as insignificant as me ? How about you tell me ? she pressed .
That farewell letter you left , she said , her voice dripping with disdain .
What was that supposed to be ? Not a deception ? And I know you got back today .
Were you at the wildfire site .
last night ? Did you really not see me , or were you hiding on purpose ? Her questions came rapid fire , each one laced with a mocking sneer .
Julian , did you think your pathetic fake death act would make me cave ? Make me care about you , maybe even choose you over Gideon? She let out a cold laugh .
Dream on .
Thats never happening .
Ive got the resources to find out if youre lying , and trust me , its childs play .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead Her anger didnt relent .
If anything , it flared hotter .
Last night , shed gone home to Callum and Gideons warmth , but her mind had been elsewhere , tangled up in thoughts of Julian .
6/8 The evening had dragged on , and this morning , shed rushed to the office , anxiously awaiting Edwards report .

The moment Edward came in and told her the news , Elizabeths heart rate quickened involuntarily .
She was both anticipating and dreading the outcome .
When Edward confirmed that Julian was alive , the weight on Elizabeths heart finally lifted completely .
Once relieved , a tidal wave of fury surged within her ! If Julians alive , why hasnt he called ? Whys his phone still off ? With all those firefighters around , was he really too busy to even charge his phone ? From that moment , shed convicted him of orchestrating a cruel ruse .
She was furious .
Shed never imagined that her husband , the man she once vowed to spend a lifetime with , would stoop so low as to compete with a child for her attention .
Elizabeth , you done ? I said , my voice flat .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead If youre finished , go .
I didnt lie to you .
Every word in that letter was the truth .
You dont need to deny anything , and I dont care what you think of me .
Its irrelevant .
Just stay out of my way from now on .
I met her furious , self righteous glare with calm detachment .
The scene almost struck me as absurd .
7/8 After everything , after all weve been through , does she really still believe theres anything left between us ? Elizabeth stared at my calm expression , her fiery anger fizzling out , replaced by a sudden , disorienting panic .
Julian was always composed .
Shed seen him like this before .
But this time , that calm didnt comfort her .
It shook her .
It felt like something important had slipped through her fingers without her even noticing .
Youre serious ? Yeah , I said , my voice flat .
If youre done , Ive got a break to enjoy .
I had no patience left for her games .
With a glance , I turned to leave .
Chapter 11 Julians Not Dead But before I could take a step , Elizabeths hand shot out , gripping my arm .