Chapter 11
As the car rolled to a stop, I snapped back to reality. We were at Ruby River. Chase had parked beside a sleek Maybach. Who in their right mind would brave the biting cold just to stand by the river?
Returning to the scene of the incident stirred a whirlwind of emotions. I recalled dragging my heavy wedding dress along the water’s edge, feeling utterly defeated. Even though I despised him with every fiber of my being, years of affection aren't easily discarded. He had run out on our wedding, leaving behind accidents, resentment, and profound disappointment. He chose Nicole over me. Watching him walk away gave me ample reason to despise him. Back then, so lost in my despair, I didn’t notice someone approaching until they stabbed me. I looked down to see the blade piercing my flesh. Shock consumed me.
As I fell, pain faded, yet instinctively, I reached for my wound. I’d bled heavily the previous night, but the restless river had washed it all away. I checked carefully, but my phone and other belongings were gone.
“When did you get back to town?” Chase’s voice pulled me back to the present. I glanced up to see a man in a wheelchair by the river. His black wool coat accentuated his striking, almost otherworldly, features. One look sent a shiver down my spine.
He was the result of Davin’s father Ryan’s fling abroad. He’d inherited his mother’s blond hair and blue eyes—a handsome and captivating man. Though Ryan’s late-in-life child, he was an illegitimate son kept overseas and rarely visited. He wasn’t much older than Chase, yet carried an age-old chill. From our first meeting, he intimidated me. Ironically, fate had him saving me from danger several times. During a storm, when I thought I’d perish at sea, his merchant ship was nearby. He arranged my rescue and even had me sent back to the Kennedy family. I had personally sent him wedding invitations and thoughtful gifts abroad.
Word was that overseas, he had used his sharp business acumen to break away from the Reyes family, becoming a rising star. He didn’t get along with the Reyes family, so his presence at our wedding was unexpected.
“Do I need to explain my whereabouts to you?” Derek’s gaze lazily landed on Chase. His tone was cutting. Chase was understandably nervous around Derek, who, despite his physical challenges, wielded considerable power.
“Of course not. I was just wondering what brings you out here in this freezing river breeze,” Chase said, voicing my thoughts.
Derek’s lips curled slightly. “I’m wondering the same. Why aren’t you with your wife, braving this cold wind instead?”
“This is kind of embarrassing, but Amanda’s got quite the temper, and we’re having a little spat.”
I caught the mockery in Derek’s eyes. “I don’t think it’s her temper. She must be blind to marry trash like you.”
“Derek!” Chase’s face paled. Derek ignored him, casually instructing, “Jack, let’s go.” The man behind him, nearly six foot three with a scar over his brow, pushed the wheelchair steadily over the uneven stones.
Chase clenched his fists, watching the wheelchair recede. “Amanda married me,” he added.
I was taken aback, unsure why he felt the need to say that, especially since Derek and I barely interacted.
Chapter 12