Chapter 3 - The Unwelcome Guest
A car door slammed in the distance. A man walked up the path, dressed in a sharp suit that felt far too formal for a park stroll. As he approached, I felt my blood turn to ice.
It was Julian, my former business partner. The man who had been my right-hand man for years, and the one who had taken over my position at the startup immediately after our divorce.
"Sarah," Julian said, his voice smooth and oily. "I told you coming to this park was a mistake."
He turned to me, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Hello, Liam. It’s been a long time."
I stood up, my fists clenched. "What is he doing here, Sarah?"
"He's the one who took care of me," Sarah said, though she wouldn't look at me. "He was the only person who knew the truth. He helped me relocate. He helped me with the bills when I couldn't work."
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"Why?" I demanded, turning to Julian. "You and I were rivals. You spent years trying to undermine my authority."
Julian stepped closer, his demeanor changing from professional to something darker. "Because I loved her, Liam. I’ve loved her since before you two met. And unlike you, I was willing to do whatever it took to keep her safe."
