Chapter 6 Playing With Fire One letter was all it took to end five years of marriage , and I did it without a hint of hesitation .
There was no sentiment left .
From that moment on , whether I lived or died , whether I had everything or nothing .
I had absolutely nothing to do with the CEO of Bennett Group anymore .
But the second I stepped out the door , my phone rang .
I headed back to the station as fast as I could ..
Kennedys jaw practically hit the floor when he saw me stroll in early , suitcase in hand .
Julian , whats with the luggage ? he asked , his brow furrowing in confusion .
When we went out on a mission , it was life or death .
Nobody packed a bag .
We wore our gear in , and often , that was what we died in .
I sorted things out at home , I said vaguely , my voice low .
Didnt want my wife stumbling across my clothes and getting upset .
I couldnt bring myself to admit that my marriage to Elizabeth was already in latters .
Kennedys expression softened .
Julian , its not like were Chapter 6 Playing With Fire 2/5 guaranteed to die out there .
You dont have to act like this is the end .
He sighed , then added , I just got word .
Theyve airlifted firefighting equipment to the mountain .

We can head out now .
Im ready , I replied , my face a blank mask .
After saying goodbye to Elizabeth , Id already made peace with the possibility of not coming back .
But Kennedy hesitated , his eyes flickering with reluctance .
d up .
The situations changed .
With the equipment and dup .
e rain , the fires under control .
Our teams just handling the cleanup now .
You dont need to go .
He didnt want to say it , but I could tell that he was thinking of Elizabeth and me , how we hadnt even started a family yet .
Kennedy , Im going , I insisted .
I know I can help .
Part elt a quiet flicker of relief .
fire was under control , thered be fewer casualties .
But that fleeting warmth snuffed out when I thought of Elizabeth and the cold , hollow state of our marriage .
I still chose to go .
Kennedy relented , and I joined the team as we headed out .
Chapter 6 Playing With Fire 3/5 By the time we arrived , the wildfire had been subdued , leaving behind a scarred landscape and the grim task of tallying losses .
and tending to the wounded .

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The sight of the devastation snapped me out of my personal turmoil , and I threw myself into the work .
For days , I lived at the base of the mountain .
The fire had been brutal .
Though I wasnt on the front lines , I saw the toll it took .
Body after body was carried down .
Those had been my comrades .
At that time , they were burned beyond recognition .
Most were local firefighters from nearby towns .
Their families .
flooded in to claim them .
I watched wives collapse , sobbing , clutching their children , and their elderly parents , frail and trembling , fainted from grief when faced with the unrecognizable remains of their sons .
The weight of it all settled heavily in my chest , a bitter ache I couldnt shake .
And through it all , not a single call or text from Elizabeth .
I got nothing .
If I could , Id trade places with those men , just to give their families a chance to be whole again .
Elizabeth , my so called partner , had never seen me as family .
Chapter 6 Playing With Fire To her , I was just someone convenient , someone disposable .
*** 4/5 At the same time , Elizabeth had just wrapped up a meeting .
The moment she stepped out of the conference room , a strange unease bloomed in her chest .
She instinctively placed a hand over her heart , unsure what was Wrong .

Her assistant , Edward Brown , noticed her discomfort and leaned in with concern .
Ms.
Bennett , are you alright ? Should I cancel your afternoon meetings so you can rest ? No , Im fine , Elizabeth said , brushing it off .
Then , as if struck by a stray thought , she glanced at her phone .
No messages from Julian ..
Her brow furrowed , an unfamiliar unease stirring within her .
Has Julian been behaving himself ? Any word from the hotel ? Nothing , Ms.
Bennett , Edward replied , puzzled .
Elizabeth rarely mentioned her husband , let alone showed concern for him .
Alright .
Youre dismissed .
Im stepping out .
Chapter 6 Playing With Fire Without another word , Elizabeth left the building .
5/5 Thirty minutes later , she stood at the hotels front desk , sliding a sleek black card across the counter .
Pull up Julian Thorntons check in records for the past few days , she demanded ..
The receptionist , recognizing her , answered promptly , Ms.
Bennett , Mr.
Thornton didnt stay here .
He came by the first day , left with his suitcase shortly after , and hasnt been back since .