Five Lost Angels: My Husband's Fatal Deception novel Chapter 12

I thought Julie was joking, though I appreciated her loyalty. The last thing I needed was involving another person in my nightmare.

After her discharge, Julie insisted I stay with her. I didn't have the energy to refuse.

To ensure James couldn't track me down, Julie's connections provided me with a completely new identity.

At her penthouse, I realized she wasn't exaggerating about her resources—she was seriously connected, with the kind of wealth and power that opens doors I didn't know existed.

Her information networks were impressive. Within days, she casually mentioned over breakfast that Rachel was dead.

She'd been found in a back alley overseas, her body mutilated beyond recognition, with particular violence focused on... certain areas.

James had canceled the wedding and made a public statement declaring he was already married, frantically searching for his "beloved wife."

I couldn't make sense of his behavior. Hadn't he been obsessed with Rachel for years? What was this sudden change of heart?

Not that it mattered anymore.

What I didn't expect was running into James so soon.

I was browsing a boutique while Julie battled food poisoning in the restroom. Turning at the sound of a familiar voice, I found myself staring directly at him.

His appearance shocked me. Designer suits replaced by rumpled clothes, his face unshaven, with hollowed cheeks and haunted eyes.

He approached cautiously. I turned to leave, but he caught my wrist.

"Emily, please. Just give me a minute."

"Take your hand off me," I said, ice in my voice.

He released me instantly, as if my skin burned him.

"I know I fucked up beyond forgiveness. I was blind. I destroyed everything—you, our children, us."

"I'm not asking for another chance. I just needed to see you once more, to say I'm sorry to your face."

I studied him dispassionately.

"Apologies are worthless, James. If you're genuinely sorry, go make amends with actions, not words."

"I understand. You won't see me again."

"I hope you find someone who deserves you, Emily."

He walked away, shoulders slumped.

Five minutes later, screams erupted from the street below.

"Oh my God, someone jumped! Businessman in a gray suit—somebody call 911!"

"Don't bother. Impact was head-first. He's gone."

Julie finally emerged from the restroom, hearing the commotion.

"What's with all the chaos? Did something happen?"

"Nothing significant. Just someone trying to erase a debt that was already written in permanent ink."