Chapter 11  As the car rolled to a stop, I snapped back to reality and realized 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 within me. 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 something you just toss aside overnight. He ran out on our wedding, leaving behind accidents, resentment, and a hefty dose of disappointment.  In the end, he chose Nicole over me. Watching him walk away gave me a perfect reason to despise him completely. Back then, I was so lost in my despair that I didn’t even notice someone sneaking up on me until they stabbed me. I looked down to see the blade that had pierced through me. I was in shock.  As I fell, I couldn’t register the pain anymore, yet instinctively, I reached for my wound. The previous night, I’d bled a lot, but the restless river had washed it all away. I checked carefully, but my phone and anything else that might’ve fallen into the water 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 shape features, and his face was strikingly handsome, almost otherworldly. Just one look from him sent a shiver down my spine.  He was the result of a fling Davin’s father Ryan had abroad. He had inherited his mother’s blond hair and blue eyes. A handsome and captivating man. Though he was Ryan’s late–in–life child, he was an illegitimate son who was kept overseas and seldom visited. He wasn’t much older than Chase, yet he carried an age–old chill around him. From our first meeting, he intimidated me. Ironically, fate had him saving me from danger several times. Like during that storm when I thought I’d perish in the ocean depths, his merchant ship happened to be nearby. He arranged for my rescue and even had me sent back to the Kennedy family. I had personally handwritten the wedding invitations, including thoughtfully chosen thank–you gifts, and sent them to him abroad.  Word was that overseas, he had used his sharp business sense to break away from the Reyes family, becoming a rising star in the business world. He didn’t get along with the Reyes family, so no one expected him at our wedding.  and cutting. “Do I need to explain my whereabouts to you?” Derek lazily lifted his gaze, landing on Chase, his tone 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,” he voiced my thoughts.  Derek’s lips curled slightly. “I’m wondering the same. Why aren’t you with your wife and choosing to brave the cold wind instead?”  “This is kinda embarrasing, but Amanda’s got quite the temper, and we’re having a little spat.”  At that moment, 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.”  “Derék!” Chase’s face paled. Derek didn’t spare him another glance, and casually instructed, “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 at his sides, watching the wheelchair’s retreating figure and added, “Amanda married me.”  I was taken aback, not quite understanding why he felt the need to say that, especially since Derek and I barely interacted.  Chapter 12