---- Chapter 10 Ethan sat in his car outside the courthouse, anxiously swiping through his phone. The chat window with Aurora was open. His last message, sent an hour ago, was still unread. [I'm here, Rory. Where are you?] Sunlight streamed through the windshield, highlighting the tired lines around his eyes. He hadn't slept well. The passenger door opened and Ilene slid in, wrapping her arms around his. Her perfume was strong, cloying. "Look, Ethan! The new bracelet you bought me! Isn't it beautiful?" she chirped, dangling a diamond-encrusted band in front of his face. "It's nice, Ilene," he said, his voice flat. His eyes were glued to his phone screen. He kept refreshing the chat. Nothing. Her profile picture, a smiling photo of the two of them from years ago, was a silent mockery. He scrolled up through their chat history. It was a sad, one- sided conversation. Aurora, sending him pictures of her day, ---- asking about his. Him, with his short, dismissive replies. "Okay." "Busy." "Later." The messages from her had become less and less frequent over the last year, until they were just formulaic exchanges about appointments and bills A prickle of unease went through him. This wasn't like her. Even when she was angry, she was never silent. "Ethan, you're not even listening to me!" Ilene whined, poking his arm. "Are you tired? Did | wear you out last night?" He flinched and pulled his arm away. "I'm fine." He glanced at the time on his dashboard. It was past their agreed-upon meeting time. A strange sense of panic started to bloom in his chest. A feeling that something important was slipping through his fingers, and he didn't know how to stop it. He told himself he would make it up to her. After he got Ilene settled, he would devote himself completely to Aurora. He would be the husband she deserved. "| have to go," he said abruptly, turning to Ilene. "The driver will take you home." He was about to get out of the car when Ilene grabbed a new handbag from the back seat. "One more thing! Isn't it perfect?" He looked at the bag. And suddenly, he wasn't in the car ---- anymore. He was in Paris, a year ago, on Aurora's birthday. He had planned a romantic trip. But on her birthday morning, Ilene had called, hysterical. Her "illness" had flared up. He had to come home. He left Aurora alone in a foreign city. The birthday cake he'd ordered went uneaten. He had felt a pang of guilt and had bought her an expensive handbag to make up for it. The same model Ilene was holding now. He remembered Aurora's face when he gave it to her. She looked so surprised, so grateful for such a small thing. The memory was a sharp, painful jab to his heart. An overwhelming sense of regret and sorrow washed over him. "Ethan?" Ilene's voice pulled him back to the present. He shook his head, clearing the painful images. "| have an urgent meeting at the office," he lied, pushing her gently toward the waiting driver. He got into his own car and sped away, dialing Aurora's number over and over. The sky opened up. Rain lashed against the windshield. Thunder rumbled in the distance. The world outside grew dark and grey. ---- The panic in his chest was a living thing now, clawing at his insides. He floored the accelerator, his mind a whirlwind of fear. He had to get home. He had to see her. He burst through the front door of the villa. It was dark. And silent. Too silent. Usually, when he came home late, she would leave a light on for him in the hall. Tonight, there was only darkness. He felt a chill that had nothing to do with the rain. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. The faint, familiar scent of her perfume was gone. The air was stale, empty. A terrifying thought began to form in his mind. He ran through the house, his voice echoing in the empty rooms. "Rory! Aurora!" No answer. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!