Frozen Promises

In the desperate struggle for life, Allison saw Braydon dive into the water.

He wrapped Kathleen in a tight hold though and swam hard back to the shore.

He chose Kathleen.

That realization cut deeper than the autumn lake water.

Her body sank slow. Darkness swallowed her vision bit by bit.

Allison refused to accept it. She did not want to die like this.

She had no way out though.

Just as she teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, a passing doctor stepped in and hauled her to the surface.

She coughed for ages. When she looked up, she saw Braydon kneeling by the bank. He patted Kathleen's back with worry.

Only after he confirmed Kathleen stayed safe did he lift his head. He spotted Allison soaked through.

Color drained from his face in a flash. He rushed over in a frenzy. "Allison! How did this happen to you? I did not know. I did not know it was you in the water. The water was too murky. I just saw someone thrashing. I..."

Allison raised her hand. She cut off his rambling excuses. "It does not matter."

Her voice rasped. "It really does not matter anymore."

Braydon froze in place. That utter calm unnerved him.

He would rather she cried. She raged. She hit him or yelled at him.

Not this. Not like she looked at a stranger.

Allison turned her gaze away coolly. She thanked the doctor who saved her in a soft voice.

Then she turned. She walked away step by step.

Each one crushed the old self who loved Braydon deep underfoot.

The man who swore he would always protect her, in her hour of greatest need, he pushed her into the abyss himself.

The heart could truly die this completely.

Allison returned to the marital home she shared with Braydon. She started packing her things.

She took only the clothes and jewelry she bought before marriage. As for the gifts he gave later, she didn't touch them.

Braydon rushed back. He caught sight right away of the staff loading a set of her favorite costumes onto the car with care.

His face went pale as a ghost. He grabbed Allison's wrist. His voice shook with fear. "Allison! What's the meaning of this?"

Allison glanced at him flatly. "The show starts next week. Some costumes need to go to the theater early."

That explanation did not fully ease Braydon.

He bolted into the house. He flung open the walk-in closet. He saw plenty of her usual clothes and bags still there. He let out a long breath of relief.

He tried to pull her into his arms. His voice carried the relief of a close call. "You scared me to death. I thought you meant to leave this home."

Allison sidestepped his touch. A mocking curve touched her lips. "Why would I leave?"

Braydon faltered. He stammered half a minute before he forced out. "Allison, Kathleen is just my subordinate. Back in the water, what she yelled about the child came from her muddled head after choking. Do not overthink it."

Allison nodded in vague agreement.

She stopped caring.

He signed the divorce papers already. The marriage existed in name only.

Who he cared for or fathered a child with stayed far from her world now.

"I will not stay home the next few days." Her tone stayed flat, like a simple notice. "I booked a room at the hotel near the theater, so I can focus on the show."

Braydon's eyes rimmed red. Pleading edged his voice. "Allison, you are still mad at me, right?"

"I am not mad." Her gaze stayed even. "I just need to concentrate."

He clutched her hand in haste. "Then I will stay with you at the hotel."

Before the words settled, his phone rang.

Allison's eyes flicked to the screen. She read the flashing name clear as day. Kathleen.